Armitage was banned twice last season, including an eight week suspension for shoving and abusing an anti-doping official which ruled him out of the RBS Six Nations, the player enjoyed a successful start to his England career in 2008-09 season and the England management kept faith in him.
Although the player was banned, the 27-year-old was allowed to train with the England squad and on Saturday will get his chance to start a Test for the first time in 17 months and press his claims for World Cup selection.
"It is no secret I have found it hard to manage by emotions," admitted Armitage.
"I play the game with passion and sometimes with a little bit too much. That is what I have been working on. I like playing on the edge; it just needs to be a little bit controlled sometimes.
"The last year didn't go as well as I wanted it to. I am just glad I am here with an opportunity to get back in the squad.
"I want to play for England and nothing is going to stop me getting where I want to get. It has been a long wait for me.
"What happened happened. I felt really bad about it but now I am back focused on playing well for England and trying to get into the World Cup squad."
