England
Johnson determined to reclaim England berth
ESPN Staff
February 20, 2015
Youngs: England must amend defensive mistakes

Exeter Chiefs flanker Tom Johnson says he would quit rugby if he thought he couldn't force his way back into the England set up.

Johnson has eight caps to his name but has not featured for Stuart Lancaster's side since their tour of New Zealand last summer.

"Obviously you still back yourself - otherwise I would have hung up the boots," Johnson told BBC Sport.

"I do feel if I got some decent game time under my belt and I was performing in a manner that warranted my selection, then of course I'd back myself."

The 32-year-old has been out of action with a neck problem since the summer, which had affected his nerves and caused numbness, and only made his return this month.

"It wasn't a case of 'let's play on until the end of the season'. It's a case of wanting to be able to hold my daughter in a few years' time and play with her, swim with her and do those kind of things," said Johnson.

"The club put my health first, which was very good of them. I'm not here just to free-ride along, and if I don't feel like I contribute, I'll be out the door before anyone tells me to."

Tom Johnson has not featured for England since the tour to New Zealand last summer © Getty Images
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