Croft, who will be going to his first World Cup, is one of six Leicester Tigers players in Martin Johnson’s 30-man squad, joining Dan Cole, Louis Deacon, Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs.
And the 25-year-old says his selection won't sink in until he arrives in New Zealand.
“I think it similar to the way it was with the Lions and it doesn’t really sink in until you actually land,” says Croft, who has been capped 25 times by England and three times by the Lions. “You are there and the whole atmosphere gets hold of you.
“When you are on the plane it is another flight. It is when you see the whole atmosphere, which down in New Zealand I am sure will be electric, that’s when it hits you.”
Team manager Johnson has selected 17 forwards and 13 backs and Croft says the squad gives the England coaches plenty of options.
“It’s very flexible,” says Croft. “We have got a good blend of youth and experience in there. There are numerous combinations through the whole squad, the front row, second row, back row and the backs.
“There are plenty of combinations that the coaches can tailor towards each game.”
England complete their build-up against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday before heading to New Zealand.
