England’s Mike Brown has been in the wars in recent weeks and he has the scars to prove it.

But he insists he is ready to battle for his World Cup starting place and is determined to inject some much-needed confidence into club-side Harlequins’ stuttering season.

Twelve months ago Brown concluded a Six Nations campaign that ended with an identical result, a second place in the table behind Ireland.

But he was also a winner, edging out retiring legend Brian O’Driscoll to be named player of the tournament, with four tries underlining his commitment to the cause.

This time around, there were no personal accolades to dull the disappointment of a fourth consecutive runners-up place.

However, Brown believes the manner of England's memorable 55-35 victory over France is a reason to be optimistic ahead of this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.

But he refutes suggestions by RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie that another second place was ‘unacceptable’.

“It was great how we went about the game and how we won, but it’s disappointing we didn’t achieve our goal of winning it,” he said.

“It’s the fourth time I’ve been involved where I’ve come second, but luckily I don’t get bitter.

“We’ll keep going as a squad, keep using things like this to develop us.”

Brown believes he has done enough in recent weeks to cement his place as Stuart Lancaster’s first choice full-back, ahead of rival Alex Goode, who deputised when he missed the defeat in Dublin after picking up a head injury early in the win over Italy.

“I was very happy with my tournament. When I actually played, I thought I did well,” added Brown.

“Last year it was all about my running game, but I think I’ve shown that my kicking game has come on. As long as I can keep improving, I will be happy.

“We’ve spoken about competition for places and 15 is definitely one that is strongly contested. Alex did well, unfortunately he was in that losing team against Ireland but he did well with his opportunity.

“Saying that, I don’t want to give him many chances – he is a great player.”

Brown was sidelined with another concussion precaution as Sarries ran out 42-14 winners at Wembley last week to leave hopes of a top six finish – and automatic qualification for the European Champions Cup – in tatters.

“It’s not been a good campaign for Harlequins. We haven’t been consistent and do not deserve to be up there,” he added.

“That’s something to look at in the off season, but there’s still games to go where we can put ourselves in a good position to be in Europe for next year.

“That’s where we want to be – at the top table of European rugby.”

*England Rugby Union player, Mike Brown was speaking on behalf of HSBC at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens where he helped run HSBC coaching clinics for schools during the tournament. For exclusive rugby content, follow @HSBC_Sport