FULL-BACK Chris Pennell admits Worcester Warriors’ final three Aviva Premiership matches could open the door for his international return.

Pennell, who turns 29 later this month, won his one and only full England cap on their summer tour to New Zealand in 2014.

England’s main squad are touring Australia this summer with the Saxons scheduled to play two matches against South Africa A.

Warriors have three tough games remaining, starting today with a much-awaited Aviva Premiership Midlands derby against Coventry-based Wasps at Sixways (3pm).

And Pennell is keen to remind England coach Eddie Jones he can give Mike Brown and Alex Goode a run for their money in the number 15 shirt.

“I am aware there’s a huge personal opportunity over the next three games playing against top opposition like Wasps, Leicester and Saracens,” said Worcester-born Pennell.

“I would love to be able to put my hand up and show the England coaches what I can do.

“I am keeping my fingers crossed I can do that and if I am doing my job for Worcester the best I can that’s going to create an opportunity.”

The Warriors ace hasn’t booked an overseas holiday this summer because his wife Joanna is pregnant with their second child.

Pennell said: “We are on the non-fly list so we are going to be around this summer and there’s nothing set in stone for us yet.”

He has started all of Warriors’ 19 Premiership fixtures this term, managing the full 80 minutes in all but two outings.

Pennell was replaced after 75 minutes as a precautionary measure in Worcester’s 50-12 battering at Exeter Chiefs in their last match at the beginning of this month.

The long-serving back has now played 162 times for Worcester, just 15 fewer than scrum-half Jonny Arr and 10 more than centre Alex Grove.

Pennell last stepped on to the international stage in January last year for England Saxons against Irish Wolfhounds in Cork.

He added: “The Churchill Cup fizzled out a few years ago and there would be the one-off England Saxons fixture against the Irish Wolfhounds, which we didn’t have this season.

“I think having a second summer tour is a good idea and another good opportunity to bring in some youngsters. It can also develop the coaches as well.”