Ethan Roots: Exeter flanker backed to earn England recall

England will also have ‘A’ internationals over the autumn period which could be a chance for Roots to show his worth having missed out on the England training squad that was announced earlier this week.

Exeter have started the season well, winning two and drawing one of their four matches, having ended last season second from bottom.

Baxter says it affects him personally when players are called up or miss out on the England squad.

“All I’ve said to him is, ‘just kind of trust me, trust where we’re trying to go as a team, let’s work very hard together and if you work hard, I’ll work hard’,” he added.

“I take it very personally to try and get guys into international rugby. People think that’s a bit odd, because actually it can hurt you a little bit as a team.

“But the reality is I ask these guys to come to Exeter and give everything they can and if I want them to give everything, then I want them to achieve everything.

“He knows exactly where I stand on it, I want to get him back in that squad, I want to give him every opportunity to do that.

“One of the things we’ve got to do to help him do that is put him in a good team and get everyone understanding that they’ll all benefit if everyone’s playing well and they’re all doing well.

“We’re starting to feel like we’re getting that understanding again about what we can do for each other and hopefully can follow that through.”