It was a disappointing end to the season for Chris Robshaw © Getty Images

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Harlequins skipper Chris Robshaw is fully aware he has a fight on his hands to keep his place in the England side.

Robshaw missed the summer tour to Argentina with coach Stuart Lancaster opting to rest a number of his more experienced players. In Robshaw's place Tom Wood captained England and excelled in the role. With England understood to be contemplating playing a genuine fetcher type individual at openside this season, with Matt Kvesic taking on that role in Argentina, Robshaw and Wood look set to be going head-to-head for the No.6. spot.

And Robshaw, who missed out on a spot in the British & Irish Lions squad, is adamant he is ready to "fight for my place as I have always done".

"I have never taken anything for granted. Form is everything," Robshaw told the Telegraph. "Everyone has to earn their place, and that includes the captain. You could never lead a side with any authority if your team-mates didn't think you deserved your place in the side first and foremost as a player.

"I did want to tour as I never want to give up a chance to play for England. In hindsight, though, it was good that there were people like Stuart and [Harlequins director of rugby] Conor O'Shea to see the bigger picture. I feel rejuvenated, mentally as much as anything. It's all systems go."

And Robshaw feels his time away from the game in the summer will serve him well in the long-term. He added: "The season's end was deflating, what with being knocked out in the Premiership semi-finals, so I did make a point of getting away from rugby entirely.

"You need to be right on top of your game to be successful and you are always looking at ways to improve. There is real competition for places in England now and that's how you want it. I intend to fight for that shirt just like everyone else."