Strettle led from the front as Harlequins landed their 14th Middlesex Sevens title, but first since 1990.

His six-try display during a tournament when Quins beat Leeds Carnegie, Sale Sharks, holders Newcastle and twice-winners the British Army, might have given England manager Martin Johnson a gentle nudge.

Strettle was overlooked for England’s 32-strong elite player squad announced by Johnson last month, but the flying wing has not given up hope of an international recall.

Currently part of the second-tier England Saxons group, the 25-year-old is determined to force his way back into senior Test contention.

Despite suffering two serious foot injuries in the past year - which meant he missed England’s 2007 World Cup campaign and all bar 13 minutes of their RBS 6 Nations campaign last term - six times-capped Strettle does not lack drive or determination.

He said: “I was a bit unfortunate during the last year, and that is what the coaches said.

“I hope that (sevens) will show people what I am about. Just because they don’t pick you does not mean you are any worse a player.

“I don’t think I need to prove anything to anyone else, apart from myself.

“Jason Robinson said something which rings true in that you don’t become the best player in the world, you become the best player you can.

“With the new (England) system, barring injury, I can’t play in the autumn internationals - and the way I look at it you can literally just give the coach no option, whereby he has to pick you.

“If you do that, you are doing your job - and it makes the coaching job easier. Everyone’s a winner then, and nobody doubts why you are playing.

“The frustrating part was the injuries - because in rugby, you are going to get that and you can’t do anything about it. But, fingers crossed, this is the start of a good season.”