Dylan Hartley has said that he wants to be England's first-choice hooker by the end of the season.
The Northampton Saints captain lost the number two shirt to Tom Youngs over the summer, having been banned from the British & Irish Lions tour for a red card in the Aviva Premiership final.
The 27-year-old told Sky Sports News: "My rivalry with Tom is professional and friendly. I don't go around his house for Sunday roast or anything but we're friends.
"I understand my position at the moment. I see him as the front runner for the England two shirt, going on from his performance with the Lions. I accept he's first choice at the moment. I'm in the squad, I'm part of the team, but you've got to understand your place sometimes.
"In the same breath I want to play, I want to get back in that team. That's just the way it is. I've got to get my head down and work. It's up to me to press my case for a spot."
Northampton face Youngs's Leicester Tigers this afternoon.
Sian Cowper
