FORMER Bromsgrove School pupil Matt Mullan is battling against two British & Irish Lions and the Harlequins captain for the honour of being England’s World Cup loosehead – but he insists mobility can be his trump card.

Mullan’s form for a rejuvenated Wasps earned him a place in England’s 50-man World Cup training camp, but there could not be tougher competition at loosehead to contend with before Stuart Lancaster names his final squad.

Alex Corbisiero and Mako Vunipola – both Lions in the victorious 2013 tour of Australia – as well as current first-choice Joe Marler are all standing in his way.

Yet Mullan has been heartened by the words of England forwards coach Graham Rowntree, who last week admitted the Red Rose have ditched the ‘big is beautiful’ philosophy and are seeking increased agility among their tight-five.

Mullan is hardly a shrimp – the 28-year-old weighed 112kg at last count – but he believes Rowntree’s comments bode well for his chances of making the 31-man squad.

“Mobility is something I pride myself on, I’m not as big as some of the other players in my position so I have to be able to get through a lot of work,” said Mullan, who was speaking as part of the England Team at the official launch of the Canterbury England Rugby World Cup kit. .

“I think that’s something I’ve been able to showcase week in week out for club or any team I play for.

“Hearing coaches say that is obviously a benefit to myself and the way I play the game, but everybody else is working incredibly hard.

“There have been brutally difficult fitness sessions so everyone’s going to be fit – I don’t think it’s a question of everyone’s going to stand out purely on workrate.

“I’m really pleased with how the last 12 or 18 months have gone with me for Wasps, personally with my form and as a team we’ve gone from strength to strength.

“Graham and Stuart have always been on about competition for places, and I’m in a position where there are four really good players.

“It is a compliment to be included with the other three looseheads, they’ve got a proven track record and in any sport you’ve got to back yourself.

“Hopefully in these next few weeks that will be enough to get myself in a position to be in that 31.”

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.

Mullan has not appeared for the Red Rose since the autumn internationals – though won seven of his nine Test caps last calendar year – and he says Wasps’ return into the top six of the Aviva Premiership is a big reason why he’s back in the fold.

“I got a bit of a sniff in the autumn and played all four games for England, so it’s definitely been on my radar,” added Mullan, who made the switch to Wasps from Worcester Warriors two years ago.

“It’s just about taking the opportunities and I think I did that in the autumn, it was just a question of performing consistently for Wasps.

“Improving my game was primarily the reason for moving to Wasps, to improve as a player and get greater opportunities for things like qualifying for that Champions Cup last year.

“Being exposed to that, playing Toulon away in the quarter-final, is a game where you can showcase your talent and really test yourself up against international quality.

“Being able to work with Dai Young every day, someone with so much expertise in my position, can only help my game – whether it’s at the scrum or around the park. It’s been a real benefit.”