Yarde targets England recall as attention turns to Australia
ENGLAND wing Marland Yarde has his sights firmly set on a starting position against Australia this autumn in order to build on his try-scoring Test debut.
The 21-year-old touched down twice in England’s emphatic 51-26 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires in June.
And the London Irish star hopes to follow his inclusion in England’s senior Elite Player Squad with a place in coach Stuart Lancaster’s starting XV against the Wallabies at Twickenham on 2 November.
“I just want to make sure I hit the ground running for London Irish at the start of the season and play as well as I can and put myself in the best possible situation to start the first test against Australia,” said Yarde. “That’s definitely my goal.
“I sort of want to take everything in my stride and work as hard as I can. Off the back of the tour, it was a massive experience and I just wanted to do it again.”
Yarde faces some stiff competition to start against Australia from the likes of Wasps’ Christian Wade, a fellow newcomer to the EPS.
However, the St Lucia-born speedster is simply focusing on making improvements to his own game.
“I can’t really control what other people do, so as long as I work as hard as I can I give myself every chance of starting that first game,” he said. “No-one pressures me more than myself.
“In no way do I think I’m the finished article and it’s important to think like that. You can always better yourself in all aspects.”
Yarde’s excitement at his inclusion will be shared by all England fans if he can replicate the same form shown in South America.
However, there is one person he singles out as his biggest supporter.
“My mum is my No1 fan and she’s watched me grow,” he added.
“She’s really excited about where I am now. My family is really important to me.”