WORLD Cup winner Phil Vickery believes Chris Pennell will remain on the England selectors’ radar next season despite playing in the Greene King IPA Championship.
The 27-year-old was named in Stuart Lancaster’s 20-man training squad last week, which included players who were not involved in the Aviva Premiership play-offs, after a stellar campaign for Worcester Warriors.
The full back has now been handed the chance to push his case for a place on England’s summer tour of New Zealand before Lancaster selects his final squad on Monday.
And Vickery, who made 73 appearances for his country before deciding to hang up his boots in 2010, told the Observer he was confident more opportunities would arise for Pennell if he maintains his level while helping Warriors return to the top flight.
“I still think he has got every chance,” Vickery said. “The great thing about Stuart Lancaster and the coaches at England now is that they are not about reputations. If you are performing then you are in with a chance and Stuart has made that very clear.
“Chris has had a good season – although let’s not get too carried away with it – and I am sure if he can continue the way he is going and an opportunity came up then you never know because injuries happen all of the time.
“I am sure he’ll be on the England management radar, which is great for him and for Warriors.”
The 38-year-old, who was a part-time forwards coach at Sixways last season, said he was also not surprised to see Pennell, who came through Warriors’ academy, pen a three-year contract at the club.
“During my time at Worcester last year – albeit very minuscule – I could see that it was a very local club and I think Chris’ performances have typified how much he cares about Worcester Warriors,” he said.
“I think this has given the team confidence and it will give the guys joining Worcester confidence because when you see a senior player saying ‘I am here’ it is a real statement.
“Regardless of the signings which the management have made, I think his decision to stay was probably one of the most powerful statement of the year, so I sincerely hope that he drive the team forward.”
However, Vickery insisted a campaign in the Championship would not be an easy ride for Dean Ryan’s men.
“I can see Warriors bounce back, but the Championship is a tough league,” Vickery added.
“I think the experience of this year and the quality which he has bought in will hold them in good stead.
“But you’ll have Leeds, Bristol, Rotherham and London Welsh who have all moved on. There has been a lot of investment and time put into that league.
“It is very much a breading ground for the Premiership whereas it never used to be quite like that.”