Rangi Chase believes that England are growing in stature as the Rugby League World Cup rumbles on.
The hosts take on France in the quarter-finals at the DW Stadium on Saturday, and the Salford Red Devil is pleased with the team's progression.
One of the most notable aspects of the team's recent success has been the developing partnership the stand-off shares with Leeds Rhinos star Kevin Sinfield.
"I feel like I've earned my spot," Sky Sports News quotes the 27-year-old as saying. "People will say otherwise but it doesn't really matter. I'm happy with the way I'm going.
"As the games have gone on, I'm getting more comfortable in my role. Because we're playing better as a team, it makes it easier for me I think.
"All combinations take time but me and Kev seem to be getting better and better each week. Hopefully we can keep on improving and get to our best."
Chase moved from St George Illawarra to Castleford Tigers in 2009, and joined Salford in the summer on a four-year deal.