He has attracted just as much attention for his haircut – an eyecatching Mohican – but, despite being called up to the England squad as cover during the autumn internationals.

But while he doesn’t anticipate to be hearing from Johnson when he announces his EPS squads on Wednesday, he warned the England boss he will not be changing his unique style for anyone.

“A lot has been made of my hair and I suppose it is different but it’s not something I think about too much,” Marler told the Rugby Paper.

“I’ve always had it different to a lot of people – it used to be down to my shoulders and bleach blond a bit like Robbie Savage.

“Martin Johnson joked that it would have to be cut to play international rugby but it was only a joke – I won’t be cutting my hair unless I want to.

“I suppose I have to play well if you have hair like mine but it really doesn’t bother me what people say.

“I’m not expecting a call next week – no way – I’m only in my first season at this level and playing for Quins in the Premiership is my sole focus,

“I got a taste of the international set-up in the autumn and that was great but I honestly believe I’m nowhere near ready to play.

“It was a real privilege to go and work with the senior squad and to know that I’m in their thinking but I’ve got a long way to go to reach the standards I’ve set myself let alone England.

“Of course I have dreamt of playing for England just like any other player in the country but I just want to keep playing as well as I can for Quins and see what happens.”