WARRIORS full-back Chris Pennell is yet to hear from England chief Stuart Lancaster since returning from injury — but he hasn’t given up hope of representing his country.

Pennell has played six times for Warriors this term after a groin operation which kept him out of action for almost two months.

The Worcester-born player made his England debut in the summer as a late replacement in a Test against World Champions New Zealand.

“Stuart Lancaster has not been in touch,” admitted Pennell.

“I know the ball is very much in my court and it’s up to me to put in the good performances to justify the England coaches looking at me, particularly given that I am playing in the Championship.

“But in terms of keeping in touch with the England camp, that is happening, which is really pleasing.

“The England camp are still keeping an eye on me but there’s an awful long way to go.

“My main focus is what I do on the field for Worcester and then anything else which comes off the back of it is a bonus.”

Pennell is finding his feet after his injury lay-off and had a mixed afternoon in Warriors’ 36-17 win at Yorkshire Carnegie last Saturday.

He made a mistake for Carnegie’s opening try but made amends before the interval to score a crucial touchdown in Warriors’ fine comeback.

“It’s great to be back out on the field and I am getting bits and pieces right and bits and pieces wrong,” said Pennell.

“I am pleased just to be out there and running around with the lads and seeing the way they are throwing themselves about makes it all worthwhile.”

“In an ideal world, as team, you would control the game from 0 to 80 minutes but I think the one area we can really improve is prolonging our periods of control.

“We had 10 minutes of pressure at London Scottish and perhaps we took our foot off the gas or started going away from what we were doing well.

“I think we did that again in Leeds. We are getting 10-minute periods and if we can start extending those to 15 or 20 minutes we will cause sides some serious issues.

“It needs everyone from 1 to 15 to be right up there and getting those heart-rates as high as possible.”

Pennell is thrilled with the support from the fans.

“We appreciate our support both home and away and we are incredibly lucky that people give up their time and money to get on a bus and come and see us in places like Leeds.

“It really makes a difference and we can’t thank them enough for that.”