A prolific winger and some time fullback, Cueto made his England debut against Canada in 2004 and scored two tries in an eye-catching international bow.

More recently he is famous for scoring the try that was not awarded in England's 2007 Rugby World Cup Final defeat at the hands of South Africa in Paris. On that memorable night at the Stade de France his left foot crucially went into touch before he grounded the ball and his effort was ruled out by Television Match Official Stuart Dickinson.

He toured Argentina with England in 2002, playing in the midweek victory against the Pumas A, and went to the Churchill Cups of 2003 and 2004 in North America before claiming his first full cap at Twickenham against the Canucks.

In 2005, he was called up to the British and Irish Lions for their New Zealand tour after an injury to Iain Balshaw and featured in the third Test at Eden Park, Auckland. A spell at fullback preceded the 2007 World Cup but he was back on the wing for the clashes against Samoa, Tonga and South Africa.

Cueto slipped from the international scene in the months following the World Cup with form and fitness hindering his pursuit of further international honours. He had to wait until the 2009 Six Nations clash with Italy for his next international appearance and celebrated his return with a try and he would notch another against France.

He held onto his place within Martin Johnson's squad despite suffering a try drought and would have to weather a run of 18 Tests without a try before crossing the whitewash against Italy during the 2011 Six Nations. Cueto also racked up his 50th Test cap against Scotland before sharing in England's Grand Slam disappointment.

Cueto made his debut for English side Sale Sharks against Bristol Shoguns in 2001 and featured in the sides that won the European Challenge Cup in 2002 and 2005 and the Premiership crown in 2005-06. He is also one of only a handful of players in Premiership history to have broken the 50-try barrier.

In April 2011 Cueto pleaded guilty to making contact with the eye/eye area of Northampton lock Christian Day during a Premiership match at Franklin's Gardens. He was subsequently banned for six weeks by his club and nine weeks by the RFU, the suspension being halved due to 'compelling mitigation'.

However, Cueto forced his way back into the international reckoning in time for the World Cup. He started all three of their warm-up Tests and was picked in Johnson's 30-man squad for the tournament. He just two games in New Zealand as his tournament was interupted by injury.

Despite turning 32 after the World Cup disappointment, Cueto signalled his intention to continue his international career. However he was informed by new interim head coach Stuart Lancaster that he would not be selected for the 2012 Six Nations as England looked to rejuvenate their squad.