British and Irish Lions: Ben Earl says he is ‘never complacent’ in a Lions jersey

England back row Ben Earl says no player playing for the British and Irish Lions can become complacent about a Test spot.

The 27-year-old produced his best performance on tour in the Lions’ 21-10 victory over New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday.

The Lions number eight registered 21 carries, the most of any player from both sides, and also made the most metres (114).

“How can you be complacent when you’re playing for the Lions?” Earl told BBC Sport.

“You get complacent, you let down the badge, you let down the honour.

“You’re never complacent when you pull on a Lions shirt.”

The Saracens star responded to the performance of Wales flanker Jac Morgan, who was named player of the match on Wednesday against Queensland Reds.

Ireland’s Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan have also impressed in Australia, with Henry Pollock, who missed Saturday’s game because of a tight calf, having multiple eye-catching breaks against Western Force.

Tom Curry started all three Tests against South Africa in 2021, but has yet to hit his best form on tour.

With the competition for a place in the back row intensifying in the build-up to the first Test against Australia on 19 July, Earl hopes his strengths will persuade head coach Andy Farrell to pick him.

“I never want to copy the way Jac Morgan plays the game because I wouldn’t be true to myself,” added Earl.

“It is about finding a balance to what you’re trying to do, but also, I’m just trying to be a good team-mate as that is what the Lions is about.

“I want to be remembered as being a good team-mate.

“If it doesn’t go my way in Brisbane, come two weeks today, so be it.

“I have not come in with an expectation of saying ‘I want to play in this Test’.”