South Africa-born Stevens will, injuries permitting, succeed Phil Vickery as England’s tighthead prop for the 2011 World Cup. Indeed, had Vickery not been captain for the recent tournament in France, there would have been a fair chance of the Bath forward starting more games than he did. Has put injury problems behind him to emerge as an outstanding front-row operator, and he willundoubtedly keep the pressure on Vickery this season. England expect big things from Stevens – and he is likely to deliver.