“I’m ready to answer call,” Nick Easter tells England

Nick Easter believes the absence of a clear philosophy in previous England set-ups held him back but is confident he can prove why he is the Premiership‘s in-form No.8 under Stuart Lancaster.
Harlequins‘ Easter, 34, is far from the only player to have found club form dissipate in an England shirt.
That philosophical void has prevented England from being more than the sum of their parts since 2003 suggests Easter, left, who realises, however, that is changing under Lancaster.
Whether Lancaster recognises that Easter has, for many, been way above the other No.8 contenders this season remains to be seen.
Easter said: “They wanted to freshen things up last Christmas and use it as a chance to have a look a few guys and they told me the door is not shut and I’d have to wait my turn,” he said.
“I’ve got unfinished business with what happened at the World Cup last year. I am not happy with that.
“It’s been frustrating in terms of having to re-address how you play for England, particularly from an attacking viewpoint, and understanding what their identity is.
“Hopefully with the new guys coming in they’ll have a clear vision of what they want – it is not just words saying ‘we want to play with quick ball’ but having an actual balance and understanding that the players can buy into. That was partly what was annoying that for 12-18 months we actually made strides and then we went back to the drawing board before the World Cup.
“As opposed to what happens sometimes with England they pick the best players and then already have a gameplan you have to adjust to. I’d like to see them pick the best players and formulate a gameplan around those players to get the best out of them.”
As Conor O’Shea makes clear, Easter can fit into any gameplan and the Quins director of rugby said: “I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do when his mind is at it – and his mind is at it.”
What holds Easter back, from a selectors’ viewpoint, is his age and association with the old guard. Martin Johnson dropped him in 2008 only to recall him when the going got tough.
Things will be tough this autumn when three wins may be required to avoid losing their top-tier seeding for the 2015 World Cup and Easter is ready to answer that call.
He said: “I’m sure they’ll pick their best side, whoever they think merits it but I’m hoping age is not a factor, it’s not with me. I started late in the game and certainly the way Conor looks after me I feel fresh as I’ve ever felt.
“I’m playing as well as I’ve ever done.  The game moves on every season so you have to keep up to date and look after yourself. It’s faster and more skilful now but I spoke to a few of the conditioners and my times are quicker than ever.
“I’ve always felt my speed of mind is my greatest asset but sometimes it can become a weakness because the players around me don’t have that same speed which can lead to errors.
“But as long as I’m fit I’ll be available for selection. I’d never give up on England.”
But the difficulties facing him were underlined by England forwards coach Graham Rowntree.
He said:  “Since this coaching crew came together, post World Cup, we decided to look at players a bit younger and the likes of Ben Morgan, Thomas Waldrom, Phil Dowson have been playing eight for us.
“But we’re aware of Nick’s form and if there is an injury he knows he’s one we’ll consider. The door is not closed.”
DANIEL SCHOFIELD