FULL-BACK Chris Pennell hasn’t given up on his dream of playing for England at the World Cup this autumn.

The 28-year-old channelled the disappointment of his omission from England's 50-man training squad by helping Worcester Warriors secure promotion back to the Premiership.

Pennell scored a brace of tries, including a last-gasp effort, as Warriors prevailed in a thrilling Championship play-off final against rivals Bristol.

“There was obviously disappointment from a personal level at not making the World Cup training squad but it gave me something to channel that into,” said Pennell.

“The England coaches said they wanted me to go out and put in some good performances and, hopefully, I have shown that. “ Pennell arrived home from England’s summer tour of New Zealand last year with his reputation enhanced.

Worcester-born –and-bred Pennell gave a starring role for England Saxons in an 18-9 victory against Ireland Wolfhounds in Cork at the end of January.

And, in February, Pennell was called into England’s Six Nations camp as cover for England’s first choice full-back Mike Brown.

He struggled with injuries last term, playing 17 times for Warriors during their Championship campaign, scoring 10 tries Perhaps his loyalty to Worcester in the second tier of English rugby, coupled with a couple of injuries, hampered his chances at international level.

“Body-wise it was a backward season but the game against Bristol was probably the best physically I had felt all year,” he said.

“I have shown that if the call does come from England I am ready to go and I will give anything to get an opportunity in that training squad.

“If injuries unfortunately happen and I get an opportunity then I just need to get my foot in the door and I can show then what I can do. “ Pennell played every minute of every game of Worcester’s Premiership relegation campaign two seasons ago.

The full-back is a product of Warriors’ academy and burst on to the scene in 2007 when he made his Premiership debut against Bath.

“Promotion back to the Premiership with Worcester is the justification of so many things,” he said.

The graft that we put in all season after the disappointment of last year was worth it and we showed how far we have come as a team.

“If you were to take the same group of players in September or October and put them in the same situation they found themselves in against Bristol we would not have come out on top.

“We have some fantastic youth and incredible talent which are going to thrive on the Premiership stage.

“There are three or four guys who could easily feature in international rugby at this club which is ultimately what we want to do and next season we will be in the right league to showcase that.”

Pennell is also delighted with the promotion for the the Warriors supporters.

“The support is always massive at Sixways and when the place is packed out it makes a huge difference,” he said.

“When you go through hard times and you’re tired and need a little extra, the Worcester supporters are there for you. I couldn’t be happier for all the people who support us.”