Narraway has fallen down the pecking order in terms of international rugby, with a succession of injuries seeing him fail to feature for Johnson’s men since the 2009 RBS 6 Nations.

The emergence of Tom Croft, Tom Wood and the existing selections of Nick Easter, Lewis Moody and James Haskell in the back-row has meant Narraway is as far away from starting in an England shirt as he has ever been at present.

During Johnson’s first overseas tour as England boss, Narraway started both test matches against New Zealand at number eight – but the Gloucester man’s persistent injury problems have prevented his progress since.

“I was disappointed not to go to the World Cup with my injury but that happens in rugby and you just have to move on with things,” said Narraway, speaking at the launch of the LV= Cup at Kingsholm.

“Phil Vickery said he would never retire from international rugby because that was what drove him on.

“To play the top level in the world is a massive driver and to test yourself against the South Africa’s, the New Zealand’s and the Australia’s of this world is something you can't really describe.

“It's something I'm very much keen on doing again but I know I've got to be on top of my game because there are some great back rowers in England.”