Manu Tuilagi admits he faces a fight on his hands to get an England starting jersey back following Luther Burrell’s fine form for the Red Rose.
While British & Irish Lion Tuilagi was still nursing a pectoral injury, fellow centre Burrell made the most of the opportunities afforded to him.
Burrell started the last five England games – the clash with France his international debut – and racked up three tries in that time.
Tuilagi returned from injury in time to play the last half hour of England's fixture against Italy in Rome at the weekend, reminding everyone of his talents as he crossed the whitewash.
But despite announcing himself back in style Tuilagi knows he will have to prove himself to get back into Stuart Lancaster's starting XV.
"Whatever has happened in the past doesn't matter. You never take anything for granted. Stuart Lancaster picks his side on form which is great for England," Tuilagi said.
"I feel good, I'm back in the swing of things and I'm just looking forward to the games which are coming up and getting used to playing week in week out again. I'm buzzing.
"But Luther has been outstanding. It was hard watching for me but I couldn't have been happier, especially after the Wales game after what happened last year. He's a good lad and a quality player."
