DIRECTOR of Rugby Dean Ryan believes Chris Pennell is not “a million miles away” from securing a place in England’s Rugby World Cup squad.
The Warriors full back has yet to add to his one international cap which he won during England’s summer tour of New Zealand last year.
But Ryan feels the 27-year-old’s “outstanding” display for England Saxons in Ireland in January has gone a long way to keeping him firmly in head coach Stuart Lancaster’s thoughts.
With Mike Brown suffering with concussion, Saracens star Alex Goode was selected ahead of Pennell for England’s trip to Ireland earlier this month, but the Warriors boss reckons it would have been a “tough call” for Lancaster to make.
“I thought his display away in Ireland was outstanding and that was with some seriously good company, so I think Chris Pennell is very much in England’s thoughts heading towards the World Cup,” Ryan said.
“I might be biased, but I think Chris could have solved some of the challenges that they had in that particular game and that’s what he has got to hang his hat on.
“It would have been difficult for anybody going up against Ireland in a Test Match, but I don’t think it allowed Goode to showcase some of his distribution skills.
“The spotlight was on positioning and dealing with the high ball and Chris has been pretty good at that, so I think it is now a serious discussion about who sits around Brown.”
A groin injury, which required surgery, ruled Pennell out of the start of Worcester’s Greene King IPA Championship campaign.
But now he is back to full fitness, Ryan believes Pennell can help Warriors secure promotion to the Aviva Premiership while boosting his England hopes.
“He is probably the best he has felt this year, which is perfect timing for us because Chris Pennell in great shape and in great form is a great asset for Warriors and England,” Ryan added.
“I don’t think he is a million miles away from getting to the World Cup and helping us get promoted will be a platform to showcasing himself ahead of the World Cup.”