Englands acting head coach Andy Robinson, who was running his first sessions in charge of the national team, claimed Dawson needed to change his priorities if he wanted to win a place back in the Elite Squad.

The 31-year-old scrum-half, who played in Wasps 35-26 victory over London Irish on Sunday, insisted there would be no clash of priorities in the foreseeable future and made clear he will answer the England call if it comes.

There is no less commitment to playing for England just because I have missed one training session, said Dawson.

There is still a huge passion and desire to play for England but my rugby priorities are with Wasps.

If that means England want me to come along and train I will do that.

All I can influence is what I do on a Saturday or Sunday in a black and gold jersey so that is what I will do.

If I am good enough I will be in it. Robbo has said the door is still open and if he wants me to play, I will play.

When the question is next asked everything will be addressed. There is no point guessing what is going on. What is the point in guessing who is going to make a decision?

If he turns round and says: Daws, I want you back in the squad, then happy days I will be committed to playing for England.

If not, so be it. I will continue to get my head down and play for Wasps.

Dawson insisted he had not entertained the idea that he might have played his final game for England.

But his path to a 66th cap, and perhaps a third Lions tour, would appear harder now.

Dawson is having to bed down into a new system with Wasps, having moved from Northampton in the summer, while Andy Gomarsall and Harry Ellis both turned in eye-catching displays for Gloucester and Leicester respectively.

Its as difficult as it always has been to get in the England side, said Dawson.

It is never easy to get in the England side. All I want to do is get my head down and play at Wasps and if Robbo and the England management feel I am good enough to play international rugby, they have made it apparent the door is open."