SARACENS starlet Maro Itoje has been told he could be thrown straight into England’s World Cup warm-up games should he stand out for his club in the final weeks of the season.

The former England Under-20 captain has vaulted on to the domestic stage this year – notably skippering Saracens to LV= Cup final success – and was a nominee for the Land Rover Discovery of the Season at the Aviva Premiership Awards on Wednesday.

That honour went to Exeter Chiefs back Henry Slade, but little was going to spoil Itoje’s mood after being selected for England’s World Cup 50-man training squad earlier in the day.

It is his first senior call-up, but Stuart Lancaster had already rewarded his fine form this year by making him a part of the England Saxons squad that beat Irish Wolfhounds in January.

Though the 20-year-old is the youngest member of England’s training party, he is aware he is not there to make up the numbers.

England face the Barbarians on May 31 – though Itoje will not be involved should Saracens make the Aviva Premiership Rugby final – and he is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“I found out about the call-up on Tuesday night when (England forwards coach) Graham Rowntree called me,” said Itoje, who is preparing for a trip to Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership semi-finals on Saturday.

“He told me I was one of seven locks in the squad, and that, if I perform in the next few games, I’ll give myself a chance (of being involved).

“I hope I can hit the ground running. You do not get these opportunities very often, so I intend to make the most of it.”

The winner of the Land Rover Discovery of The Season award was announced at the Premiership Rugby Awards on May 20th. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal