Former England captain Steve Borthwick has vowed to return a "stronger person and a stronger player" next season after he was dropped from England's Elite squad.
Borthwick says that his disappointment at being dropped from Martin Johnson's squad was 'more than words can describe' and that will drive him to improve.
The Saracens captain and lock had been England captain under Martin Johnson leading 20 times out of the last 23 matches.
He was however told on his honeymoon in Bali that he was going to be left out of the England Elite squad and dropped to the Saxons squad which was "more than words could describe".
Now that he has had time to get over the shock of him being dropped the 30 year-old has vowed to prove to Martin Johnson that he was wrong to drop him by giving him no option but to recall him.
The 57 cap Borthwick missed last month's tour of Australia and New Zealand due to the knee injury that also ruled him out of England's final Six Nations match against France in March.
Borthwick has been edged out by star performances from the likes of Courtney Lawes, Tom Palmer and Dave Attwood who shone on tour.
"Selection was announced on the Thursday and Johnno rang me a couple of days before to make sure I didn't find out any other way," Borthwick told The Daily Telegraph adding that being told left him "incredibly unhappy".
"I have to respect Johnno for doing that and in showing me the respect to give me that call. Where I was in the world and what I was doing was entirely up to me. He can't control that. "
"I was incredibly unhappy but I was certainly not going to dwell on those emotions because they are not good emotions to have. It is up to me to train, get myself in good condition and play good rugby."
Borthwick admitted the exchange on the phone with Johnson was passionate but that his relationship with Johnson did not break down.
"It wasn't argumentative but I had just been dropped from the England squad and of course I am going to be asking questions as to why," Borthwick said.
"I am quite forceful and he also has a strong personality. It is my responsibility now to play well for Saracens to change their minds."
Borthwick's time on the sidelines has allowed him to clear up the knee injury and reflect on areas of his game that he wants to improve.
He says that he admired the leadership Lewis Moody had shown after replacing him as England captain but still vows to work his way back into the fold before the next world cup.
"I am not going to sit at home and let it ruin my summer or my life," Borthwick said. "I want to be in the England team more than I can put in words.
"I am not going to dwell upon all the negative stuff because look at how many great positives there are."
"I have had a fabulous summer, I am with a great group of players under an outstanding team of coaches at Saracens and the medical staff here have worked hard on me.
"I don't know what went on exactly in the selection meetings but what I will say is that I will be doing absolutely everything to get back in and prove them wrong and change their opinions.
"I want to be in the England team, either as captain or not as captain, and that fact remains whatever."
