The 30-year-old wing won the last of his 57 England caps against South Africa at Twickenham in November 2006 and believes a successful season at Edgeley Park could bring him out of the international wilderness.

His desire has certainly impressed Jason Robinson, Sale’s head coach and team-mate in the England side that famously lifted the World Cup in Sydney six years ago.

Robinson said: “Can Ben Cohen get back in the England squad? Most definitely.

“I played with Ben for a number of years at the highest level and we were obviously on opposite wings for England in the 2003 World Cup final.

“I know what he is capable of and, while Ben will say his first goal is to play regularly for Sale, he has got ambitions to play for England again.

“He’s working exceptionally hard, his desire is obvious.

“I spoke to him about coming here and he made it pretty clear that he wanted to come to Sale.

“I think this will be a really good place for him and he’ll get his hands on the ball a lot.”

Cohen’s return to the Premiership has bucked the recent trend of leading players heading across the Channel to join cash-rich clubs in France.

Sale have been particularly hard by the exodus as Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Jason White, Sebastien Bruno, Lionel Faure, Sebastien Chabal and Rory Lamont have all quit the club to join French outfits.

Robinson added: “A lot of the top players in the Premiership are going over to France so it’s very exciting that Ben Cohen has decided to come back here.

“He has a lot of experience but he still has a lot of years ahead of him.

“I know how he operates, but for the other guys to see that as well is great for the whole squad.”

Cohen has touched down 31 times in internationals and only Rory Underwood has more tries for England.

He is currently being treated for a minor back injury but is almost certain to be passed fit for the Premiership opener at home to champions Leicester on September 4.