ROB Webber may appear to be a shoo-in for England’s World Cup squad but the hooker insists the presence of a pair of talented youngsters means he won’t be taking his spot for granted.

Webber is one of four hookers in England’s current 50-man World Cup training camp along with first-choice Tom Youngs, 24-year-old Jamie George and 22-year-old Luke Cowan-Dickie.

With head coach Stuart Lancaster likely to select three hookers in his final 31-man squad, Webber’s place would seem to be assured as both George and Cowan-Dickie are uncapped.

But the Bath star – who has won 12 caps for the Red Rose to date – admits that allowing himself to slip into that sort of mindset could prove fatal with such talent waiting in the wings.

“I’m absolutely not thinking I’m guaranteed a place in the squad,” said Webber, who was speaking as part of the England Team at the official launch of the Canterbury England Rugby World Cup kit.

“There are some great players in my position that have come in and the front row has always been a strength of England.

“I’m going to have to work incredibly hard to make the squad but it’s a challenge that I’m looking forward to.

“Hopefully I can rekindle some of the form I’ve had over previous seasons – as long as I can look myself in the face and say I’ve given it my best, that’s all I can ask for.

“I think in professional sport, especially rugby where there is selection every week, you understand there is that element of competition in your position.

“But one of rugby’s great values is that you get on with the people you’re competing with and push each other – that’s certainly the culture and the environment we try to create here.

“It is getting down to cuts but it’s important to stay focused on what you’ve got to do and whatever will be will be.”

Five players are expected to be cut before England head to Denver this weekend as part of their preparations, with their first warm-up game not until August 15 against France.

The focus in camp so far has been mobility with defence coach Graham Rowntree claiming to have ditched the ‘big is beautiful’ philosophy, instead seeking for increased agility among the tight-five.

And Webber is confident that Rowntree’s comment bodes very well for him.

“I think everyone has got different strengths and weaknesses but I do like to get the ball in my hands and have a carry with it,” added the 28-year-old.

“So hopefully that can benefit me in that scenario.

“I played most weeks last season but if you can’t get up and get excited to be in a World Cup training camp then there is probably something wrong with you.

“We’re here now, we’re in it and all the focus is on this.”

* Rob Webber was appearing alongside his England team mates at the launch of the innovative England Rugby World Cup shirt #CommittedtoEngland. Visit Canterbury.com