The 30-year-old Wasps front row turned out for Martin Johnson’s squad in the Autumn internationals and was also part of the Lions tour of South Africa in the summer.

But Payne – who has 15 caps for his country – admits that a raft of English talent at prop means his place in the elite squad is not a forgone conclusion.

“There are some great players coming through: Worcester’s Matt Mullan and Gloucester’s Nick Wood to name two,” said Payne.

“You’ve just got to hold your own and keep doing the things you know you can do well.

“I just want to play well for my club. We want to win everything we’re involved with, be that the Premiership, the EDF, or the Heineken Cup.

“That’s my main priority because if you don’t play well for your club then you don’t get picked for your country, it’s that simple. So that’s what I’m going to crack on and do.”