WORCESTER Warriors prop Nick Schonert says he is “striving for perfection” in a bid to win over England’s selectors ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

Schonert admits it has been his “worst year” for niggling injuries and he has been “battling” to find his best form this season.

But the 27-year-old, who wore the red rose for the first time in a non-cap match against the Barbarians at Twickenham in May last year, is determined to force his way back into head coach Eddie Jones’ plans.

South African-born Schonert, who qualifies to represent England through his grandmother, has been in and out of the national set-up over the past two years and was part of the wider squad for the 2018 autumn internationals.

But the tighthead has yet to win a senior cap and has not been selected to attend any of the training camps during the Six Nations.

“I have obviously not been in the last few squads and that’s probably due to not being in form,” Schonert said.

“There are a few things to work on so I can knock on the door again.

“There is so much competition in every position and that’s a credit to England.

“But you almost want competition as you only excel when you have it.

“It’s a good time to be in the Premiership and in the England environment as there is such good depth in quality so you have got to be at your best.

“It drives you to not settle for mediocre and keep striving for perfection.

“You have got guys like Kyle Sinckler, Harry Williams and Dan Cole (in my position).

“They have all been there for a long time and are all doing a really good job.

“Of course you watch and analyse what they do and you think about how you can add something different.

“They are such good players so you have just got to bide your time.”

Schonert said he had set his sights on getting on the plane to Japan for the World Cup “a couple of months ago”.

“I always say that if you don’t strive to wear that starting jersey you should not be playing the sport,” Schonert said.

“Everyone should have the aspiration of reaching the furthest pinnacle in their career so one day you can look back and say I achieved this and this.

“If I play well I can get a shot but at the end of day it is not my decision.

“All I can do is show what I can offer.”

Schonert reckons his performances have been “up and down” this term but has not been helped by a series of injury setbacks.

“I have been battling to find form and I don’t think I am where I was last season,” Schonert said.

“It’s probably been my worst year for niggles.

“Last year I was only out twice when my ankle blew up.

“This time it has been weird things like spasms, aches and a sternum issue.

“But it’s about riding the wave.

“You are going to be at the bottom of the trough and then you are going to be at the crest.

“You have got to focus on where you want to be and improve yourself one per cent at a time.”