Of the English contingent that played in the last Test against South Africa, all of Riki Flutey, Andrew Sheridan, Phil Vickery, Simon Shaw, Joe Worsley, Tom Croft and Harry Ellis have suffered with long-term injuries last season – except for Monye.

Instead the 27-year-old has played a gruelling 62 games over the past two years – a schedule which came back to haunt him in England’ summer tour when Monye lacked both form and fitness which lead to Martin Johnson axing him from the elite squad.

He said: “This time last year I was finishing the Lions tour on a massive high and that was still the best experience of my life.

“But it was very hard work I played 37 games that season and I would have not swapped it for anything but towards the end of the season it took its toll on me.

“If you look at the other England boys that went on tour with the Lions I count myself very lucky not to get injured like them but my form has dropped.

“In hindsight perhaps I should not have gone on tour (to Australasia). I was tired and could not really give a good account of myself and would have been better taking the summer off.

“I spoke to Brian (Smith) and Martin. Of course I am disappointed but I gave them a few reasons to drop me.

“At the end of the day England have some quality wingers and they played really well on the tour which made it hard to pick me.

“I normally have a burning desire to be in the squad because I deserve it but I don’t feel I deserved it.

“It just motivates me more because I love wearing an England shirt so much. I want to get that feeling back of running out in Twickenham in a white shirt more than anything.

“The season can’t come soon enough for me. I can talk it up all I want but I have to back it up by putting in performances next season.”