DAVE Wilson finally got his chance to shine for England in the summer and the tighthead prop admits he now has a taste for the big time.

Dan Cole has had almost exclusive rights to England’s No.3 jersey for the last five years but the Leicester Tiger was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that won in Australia this summer.

And with Cole Down Under that meant Wilson finally had a chance to stake his claim in the Red Rose jersey in Argentina.

Twenty-eight caps for England but only six starts tells its own story for the Bath front-rower, but Wilson is confident that after starting both Tests against the Pumas, he can now push Cole all the way this autumn.

“Obviously I haven’t been promised game time – I don’t think that is how it works,” said Wilson.

“My job recently has been on the bench a bit and obviously I had some game time in Arg-entina.

“I enjoyed the summer – it was good to get some game time against Argentina.

“It is tough, but I just want the best player for England to play so I’m obviously going to push Dan Cole all the way to try him for his spot.

“Hopefully I can push him so he performs better and ultimately it is better for the team. We just get on with it and try and play our best.”

Wilson’s spot in the 23 for Saturday’s Test against the Australians is under threat due to a calf injury that has seen youngster Henry Thomas drafted into the squad.

And with clashes against Argentina and New Zealand to follow, Wilson is confident that the squad is deep enough to cope with any injury.

“You want a big squad leading into these big games – into the 6 Nations and the World Cup. People do pick up injuries and you need strength in depth.

“He (Thomas) is a good young player, he is good around the park, he gets some good stats and I think he will probably go on to be a very good player.

“I don’t think it will take long (to step up to England squad) – I am sure he will take his chances when he gets them. That is what it’s about – you get your chances, you take them and you perform well.”

  • David Wilson, Mike Brown and Tom Youngs at Hollins Hall, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club. Marriott, official partner of England Rugby, has teamed up with River Cottage to change the face of hotel food by focusing on seasonal, local, organic and sustainable produce.