England wing David Strettle embodies the inspirational quote: "It's not whether you get knocked down but whether you get up".

Strettle was left floored when Martin Johnson omitted him out of England's squad for the 2011 World Cup without even giving him a chance to impress in the warm-up matches.

The Saracens winger had already had to deal with the frustration of missing the 2007 World Cup and the 2008 Six Nations after breaking the same metatarsal twice.

Johnson's decision to cast him aside untested left Strettle at rock bottom just months after he had helped Saracens win their first Aviva Premiership title.

But Strettle responded to the setback in such style that he forced his way into Stuart Lancaster's plans and then back into the England team.

Tomorrow [Sunday], the 28-year-old will win his eighth cap - five years after his first - as England tackle Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

"I had six caps until last year. My lowest point was probably at the World Cup when I got released from the squad," Strettle said.

"Everyone has patches in their career where they have missed out through injury. I knew if I kept working hard I'd get my chance again.

"My form had been good with Sarries. I felt I warranted an opportunity to have a chance to impress in the World Cup warm-ups and it never came.

"I felt I had done everything I could and I was quite down.

"But once it has happened, you are not going to become a better player by dwelling on it.

"You have to use it as stimulus to push on. It is great to be back in the mix now. It was a great occasion last weekend to pull the shirt on."