England: Exeter's Jack Nowell grateful for Stuart Lancaster faith

Exeter winger Jack Nowell is delighted by the show of faith in him by England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

Nowell, 21, has been recalled to the national squad for the autumn internationals following knee surgery.

"A big thing for me to get the knee operation in the summer was that he said if I did come back and I am fit and on form, he'd hopefully put me straight back in," Nowell said.

"Luckily, over the last couple of games my knee's been feeling really good."

Nowell returned to action as a replacement in Exeter's 25-22 win at Gloucester last month and has started three of the last four matches.

He had not previously played a match since March when he hurt his shoulder at Leicester.

Nowell is joined in the squad by fellow wingers Jonny May of Gloucester, Bath's Semesa Rokoduguni and Marland Yarde of Harlequins after Lancaster omitted Chris Ashton for the four Tests next month.

"I think the big thing for me was being a bit worried after the Six Nations because I knew I was going to have to have a knee operation and I'd miss out on the summer tour," Nowell added.

"Exeter have put me in the right shape and they've really spent time on me to get me back fit and luckily it's paid off for me.

"Once your name's in that squad you want to carry on and put your name on that shirt."