England squad wait on World Cup decision

Alex Corbisiero and his England squad-mates face a nervous wait this week as Martin Johnson whittles the group down to a final 30 for the Rugby World Cup.

The London Irish prop should be as confident as anyone in the squad that he is travelling to New Zealand after two assured performances in the summer Tests against Wales.

But with Andrew Sheridan returning to fitness, Corbisiero is taking nothing for granted as he sits waiting for his phone to beep.

Johnson will announce his selection a week today.

"We've all just been told to make sure we are reachable by email, text and mobile regardless of whether we go away or don't go away," said Corbisiero.

"We've been given no indication of when we'll be told.

"I've done everything I can now to give myself the best chance possible to be in their plans. If it doesn't happen it doesn't happen but I know I've given everything.

"I've given it as much as I could. I feel I've worked hard all summer, there are things I could have done better, but I couldn't have asked any more of myself.

"I'll be by the phone all week."

Corbisiero only made his Test debut in the Six Nations but already looks at home at international level and his attitude has impressed the England management.

England were beaten in frustrating circumstances by Wales on Saturday, with their backs unable to translate a mountain of forward-won possession into points.

But Corbisiero's own set piece department went well, with England on top at scrum-time and effective in the lineout.

If Corbisiero does make the final cut, he will immediately turn his attention to forcing his way into the 22-man squad for the warm-up international against Ireland on August 27.

Sheridan missed both Wales matches as he recovers from summer shoulder surgery but he is expected to be pushing for selection in England's final run-out before tackling Argentina in the World Cup.

"I feel more and more comfortable each time we get out there as a team but there are always things to work on and stuff to develop," said Corbisiero.

"With guys like Sheridan coming back, who is in that world-class bracket already, I have to keep my head down and build on what I've done.

"I'll take every opportunity if I get it.

"I couldn't ask for any more. To be in a position I'm in now, contending for a spot, and to get two more caps and having a great chance to play for my country. I'm just grateful for the opportunity.

"It would be great to play in Dublin. If I didn't play and then did go to New Zealand it would be a while to the next game which isn't ideal. But I'll take it as it comes."