WORCESTER'S Kai Horst-mann was left hungry for another taste of international rugby after Scotland ruined his England Saxons debut.

The Worcester number eight was one of only a handful of Saxons players to distinguish themselves as England's Churchill Cup defence began with a whimper in torrid conditions at York Stadium.

England coach Jon Callard described Horstmann as "absolutely outstanding" and suggested his performance merited a full England call-up.

But the number eight's big day will be remembered for all the wrong reasons after England's decision-making and handling went awry in the rain.

"We've got to get things straight, because the game was on television back home for everyone to see," Horst-mann said.

"The boys are disappointed, people didn't see the best of us.

"We had our chances but there's no point saying 'what if' because rugby's not like that. We've only got ourselves to blame.

"But just to play in the game has rounded off a great year for me at Worcester. I was delighted to stay on for the full 80 minutes and I can't wait for next week," Horstmann added.

"If I'm picked again -- I'll look to go one step better.

"If any more opportunities come along for me, all I can do is grab them with both hands. I don't want to let something like this pass me by."

An inability to take chances played a part in England's downfall in Toronto.

Wing Chris Bell spilled the ball as he crossed for what looked a certain try with five minutes gone, with only a Calum MacRae penalty on the board for the Scots.

A second penalty for MacRae followed after the break, with England mustering just a penalty try converted by Dave Walder, which put them 7-6 ahead on the hour.

Ex-Bath wing Simon Danielli's try restored Scotland's advantage four minutes later, and there was no further scoring despite Horstmann and his fellow forwards laying seige to the Scotland line in injury time.

It has left England relying on Canada to deflate Scottish ambitions in Ottawa tomorrow night, while they wait for a chance to atone against the hosts back in Toronto this Saturday.

Horstmann, for one, cannot wait for his next England outing.

"We won't get down about it because that game is gone and there were plenty of reasons for encouragement," he said.

"Sulking about it won't achieve anything -- that's life.

"It's how we bounce back now that will show what sort of team we are."