Croft, a member of Martin Johnson’s Elite Player Squad, played 20 minutes of Saturday’s Aviva Premiership win over London Wasps at Welford Road on his comeback from a shoulder injury.
And the England management have announced he will not link up with the national side ahead of their RBS 6 Nations clash with France at Twickenham but will stay with Tigers as Leicester prepare to face Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park on Friday night.
Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw has been called up to the England squad training at Pennyhill Park for Joe Worsley, who has returned to Wasps to be treated for a neck injury he sustained in the game against Tigers. England captain Lewis Moody (Bath Rugby) is also with the squad.
Alex Corbisiero of London Irish has been called in to the squad following an ankle injury to David Wilson, who is receiving treatment from the Bath medical team.
Croft’s run-out against Wasps was his first appearance in a Tigers shirt since the home win over Bath back in October.
“It is great to be back,” he said. “I played 20 minutes and hopefully I can get a bit more game-time next week and the week after, I need to get my match fitness and get back into it.
“You feel a bit nervous when you are called on with 20 minutes to go. Your mind switches on, it is the lungs that take a little bit of time to catch up but it has been two-and-a-half months since I last played.
“We have a great physio and medical team and they’ve got me back and I didn’t feel the injury at all.
“The back row is functioning very well, it is just good to be back playing for Leicester and getting a win.”
