As England prepare for their Six Nation opener in Dublin on Saturday, one man who will be watching from home is Quins' Nathan Earle.

Eddie Jones overlooked the former Saracens man for his latest squad despite the 24-year-old admitting he feels he’s playing the best rugby of his career.

Hong Kong-born Earle who has been part of previous international camps has yet to win a cap under the England boss but the snub came as a surprise to many, possibly even the Quins’ winger.

“On my day, I believe I’m one of the best wingers in the country and deserve an opportunity, but the fact I’ve not been given that is no skin off my nose,” said Earle.

“I’ve been selected when I’ve played minimal rugby and now I’m playing a lot and I haven’t been selected and feel like I’m playing my best.

“I’m disappointed not to be in this squad particularly because I feel like I’ve been playing the best rugby I’ve ever played.”

Master Holds The Cards

And while the man who's scored eight tries this season helping Quins to a top four league standing was disappointed by the former Japan coach’s decision, he won't give up his ambition of representing the Red Rose.

“If England do come calling again then obviously I’ll put all my effort in to that.

"At the end of the day Eddie is the guy who holds all the cards.

“You never really know what’s going through his head or what he’s thinking, he’s an enigma.

“As a guy who’s been in that environment you just get on with it and whatever the master says, you do.

“Obviously I’ve got things to work on and I’m concentrating on giving my best to Quins now and see what I can do with them."

Care Omission

Earle’s team-mate Danny Care also missed out on adding to his 84 England caps and Earle was equally surprised by the omission of the evergreen 32-year-old scrum half.

“Some of the things he’s doing on the pitch this year I don’t think any nine’s can do.

“He’s another guy who is possibly playing his best rugby.

“But obviously Eddie feels like he’s missing something from his game that other guys can bring.”

Despite not playing a part in this year’s Six Nations, Earle will be settling down to watch fellow team-mates Mike Brown and Kyle Sinckler represent England.

“Ireland are definitely favourites, but I think England can push on and be a real thorn in a lot of teams sides, and potentially win it.

“People will be short sighted to look past England to win it with how well some of the squad are playing.

“I really hope Mike (Brown) gets given an opportunity at full back, to show why’s the best full back in the county, having not played in the Autumn.

“And it’s always good to see Billy V (Vunipola) in an England shirt. It’s been a while.”

Harlequins stars joined rugby fans to tackle some of the most memorable sporting moments over a cold pint of Greene King IPA. Follow @GreeneKingIPA #TheLastDropOut for more information