CENTRE Will Butler says he feels “lucky” to be in the position of trying to win a Grand Slam after a shoulder injury put his England Under 20 hopes in jeopardy.

The Worcester Warriors youngster has been named in the starting line-up for the Six Nations crunch clash with Ireland in Dublin tomorrow (8pm).

And Butler says “all eyes are set” on becoming the first England Under 20s side to win all five games since 2011.

But the 18-year-old admits the chances of being on the cusp of making history did not seem possible when he went under the knife to repair his damaged shoulder.

“I feel quite lucky to be here,” he said.

“I had been out with an injury to my shoulder quite soon before the championship started so I was really happy to get the nod and be part of this.”

Butler suffered the injury 46 minutes into his Warriors debut against a powerful Enisei-STM side in Russia in October and has not made a senior appearance since.

“I played in Moscow for Worcester and picked the injury up then,” he admitted.

“I had two or three months out as I had an operation on the cartilage in my shoulder.

“I knew I would be back fit in time (for the Six Nations), but I didn’t know that I was going to get the opportunity to play for the Under 20s.”

Warriors’ academy aces Justin Clegg, Ted Hill, Joe Morris, Zac Xiorouppa and Jamie Shillcock were also selected in the 32-man squad – although Shillcock was forced to pull out through injury.

Butler, who has previously played for England at under 17s and under 18s level, says he has enjoyed every minute of the experience.

England defeated France 59-17, Wales 37-21 and Italy 46-0 before securing the title with a 33-5 victory over Scotland last Saturday.

“Each match has posed a different challenge for us,” said the Ledbury-based player who attended Hereford Cathedral School.

“I think the weather up in Darlington for the Italy game was tough compared to Franklin’s Gardens and Sandy Park where the pitches were really nice to play on.

“But I think the boys have done really well as we have adapted our game.”

Butler said England did not target Grand Slam glory prior to the tournament, but were now determined to seize their opportunity.

Morris and Clegg have been named on the bench for the championship finale at Donnybrook Stadium and Butler said they are ready for a “physical battle” against Ireland.

“The Irish are definitely going to be up for it,” he said.

“It is going to be a really good challenge playing away in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day.

“All eyes are set on getting a Grand Slam.”