James Haskell targets 2019 World Cup with England after Lions omission

Warren Gatland says players like James Haskell must keep themselves match fit in case they are needed by the Lions.

England flanker James Haskell says he will target the 2019 World Cup after conceding he was not good enough to be selected for the Lions tour of New Zealand.

The 32-year-old has accumulated 75 England caps and has been a key part in England's renaissance under head coach Eddie Jones, winning consecutive Six Nations titles under the Australian.

However, Haskell was not named in Warren Gatland's Lions squad for their summer tour, live on Sky Sports, with England captain Dylan Hartley also missing out on selection.

Image: Haskell excelled during England's 3-0 series win in Australia last summer

"I thought I played well in the Six Nations and put myself out there," Haskell said.

"The Lions for me is the pinnacle of every rugby player's career and it's the difference between being a good player and a great player.

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"I obviously wasn't good enough. I've tried my best every year (the Lions toured). In 2009, I had an opportunity, this year I had an opportunity.

"In 2013 I wasn't in contention, so I wasn't meant to be a Lion. A lot of people, like myself, are always out of arm's reach."

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Image: Dylan Hartley also missed out on Lions selection

Haskell added that he was now focusing on the end of the season with Wasps, which will be followed by England's tour of Argentina.

"I didn't think I was going to go (on the Lions tour) but it was still difficult," he added.

"I was disappointed but I'm done with it. If something happens, then I'll be in the mix, but I'd rather focus on Wasps and on the England stuff.

"Long term, of course I would love to go to another World Cup. That would be the dream."

The 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from June 3

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