George Furbank: Northampton Saints captain says he has learned how to cope with criticism

Northampton captain George Furbank says he has learned not to worry about what people think of him, as he targets a place in England's Six Nations squad.

He made his international debut in 2020 against France but admits he became distracted by the hype and subsequent criticism over his selection.

Full-back Furbank, 27, has since worked with the Rugby Football Union's sports psychologist Andrea Furst.

"It was massively important," Furbank told BBC Look East.

"The biggest side was not worrying about what other people were thinking about me.

"You'd read comments from a random bloke called Dave who's never played rugby in his life commentating about you playing rugby. She made me realise not to get stuck on those things.

"I still have doubts every now and then. When you have dips in form you always have these doubts.

"I was never the most confident growing up. It was something I had to work on and I feel I am getting better at. I know the areas I have to improve."

Furbank has just extended his contract at Northampton, who are currently top of the Premiership table, and has recently become club captain, replacing the injured Lewis Ludlam.

He says it has given him a renewed spark and energy.

"I've loved it," he said. "My energy drives the team's energy and I'm definitely enjoying that part at the moment.

"But as a group we've all had to step up because we've lost a lot of experienced leaders."

Furbank missed out on selection for the Rugby World Cup in the autumn but his recent form has meant he could be one of several Saints players linked with a call-up by England head coach Steve Borthwick for the Six Nations.

England begin their campaign against Italy, in Rome, on 3 February.

"I've bulked up, put on three kilos and it helps me in contact and gain those metres in attack and defence," added Furbank, who has won six caps.

"I've learned how to stay in the moment and move on from errors in games. It's about having a good training week and getting into good habits.

"I still have ambitions to play for England. I'm pretty desperate to do that but the only way is by playing well for your club."