CHRISTIAN Wade says he’s going to Argentina with England this summer desperate to prove that he can reproduce his club form in the white shirt of England.
The 21-year-old Wasps sensation was named in Stuart Lancaster’s England squad on Wednesday and is expected to earn his first full cap against the Pumas.
Speaking exclusively to the Bucks Free Press yesterday, the former RGS High Wycombe pupil said: “I found out on Tuesday afternoon. They do a ring around and Stuart [Lancaster, England head coach] called me.
“I don’t have his number though so it just came up as a random number on my phone.
“I’ve actually had issues with my phone so I missed his call. I only knew it was him when I listened to the message and I had to phone him back.
“He just said I’d had a good season after last summer’s tour and it was time to take my club form onto the international stage.”
Wade’s 13 Aviva Premiership tries this season make him joint top try-scorer with Wasps partner-in-crime Tom Varndell, and his prolific form follows his four tries in two uncapped games during England’s summer tour to South Africa last year.
He said: “I was hopeful of getting the call, but you never know and you can’t take anything for granted.
“My first thought now is to get into the Test side and earn my first cap. That would be a very proud moment for myself and for my family and everyone else that’s supported me.
“I had dreams of playing for England one day but I wasn’t sure it would ever happen because I’m not from a rugby background and I know how much hard work it takes.
“I’ve tried to take everything as it comes. Obviously I had targets – I also hope to become a Lion one day – but I’ve achieved them a lot quicker than I thought I would.
“Now I want to show what I can do and prove I’m a worthy contender to be the wingman for England.”
