"It was pretty bleak, I'm not going to lie."

The Northampton wing reignited his international ambitions with his fourth England cap in last weekend's Six Nations win over Italy and starts against Wales on Saturday, but it has not always been plain sailing for the 22-year-old.

His previous Test appearance had ended at half-time when he was replaced against South Africa in November 2022 by then-head coach Eddie Jones.

That defeat by the world champions at Twickenham marked the end of Jones' reign but it was also a stark reminder of the hurdles Freeman still had to overcome.

"Growing up, I was always seen as second best," Freeman told BBC Rugby Union Daily.

"I was at fly-half back in the day and there was always one other lad getting favoured over me or the coach's son.

"I was at Leicester Tigers [academy] but got released as a youngster and that was a bit of a setback.

"Getting taken off at half-time [against South Africa] was another one. I didn't get much feedback after that game."

Freeman says he found it difficult to adjust to the speed and "stop-start" intensity of Test rugby from the club game, which better "suited" his style with the ball in play more.

He added: "To get taken off in that game having not done anything, or having that moment to go 'right I am in the game' was the hardest part.

"But having the club and the support staff around at Saints really helped me get back on the horse and wanting to prove people wrong."

'I was kicked in the face for that'

Steve Borthwick did not immediately offer Freeman a reprieve when he replaced Jones as England head coach and the wing was overlooked in the last Six Nations.

He did return to the fold in England's pre-World Cup training squad but failed to claim a place in the final squad.

"Coming into those camps before the World Cup I probably went into my shell," said Freeman. "I did not stick my chest out and I was probably guilty of not making the most of it.

"I wanted to look really laid back - but I was maybe too laid back.

"I was kicked in the face for that."

It's not just on the pitch where Freeman has struggled. His dream of becoming a professional seemed in doubt when he was diagnosed with epilepsy in his teens.

"When I was younger I had these vacant episodes where I would have staring phases and just blank out," he added.

"I thought I was just daydreaming and when I went onto tablets at the end of my GCSEs - just to stay concentrating on those - and finished that, they [doctors] were like you've probably grown out of it.

"Three years later I was at college and in my first year with Saints I had this full blown fit at Christmas.

"That was pretty tough with mum and dad thinking it was the end of the road rugby-wise and me not knowing.

"Straight away I got on the phone and all the doctors were getting me sent left right and centre.

"It was a pretty tough moment but soon got it all under control for rugby - I have tablets for life now - it is all good.

"There were two years I couldn't drive which was the hardest part. Relying on people to get you to your food shop. That was brutal."

'I have matured'

Freeman made his England debut in the victory over Australia in Brisbane in July 2022 before retaining his place in the starting XV the following weekend as the tourists wrapped up a series win.

Things soon went awry, but having starred for Saints during his 15-month exodus from Test level, and with Jonny May retired, Anthony Watson returning from injury and Jack Nowell and Henry Arundell ineligible for selection, the wing now feels ready to seize his opportunity.

"In Australia it was a new experience and a first cap and I was just lapping up every minute and opportunity I got - just letting it all sink in," he said.

"I felt quite young and it felt like I was accepting everything rather than making a statement and putting my foot in the door.

"Now I feel very clear and, from a team point of view, I know where we want to go.

"I have matured physically, in terms of understanding my body. A lot of it is mental too and now it's about being myself and expressing myself as best I can."