Foden is happy to wing it for England
Is he a full-back? Is he a scrum-half?...No, he's a winger!
At least that's where boss Martin Johnson has picked Saints utility back Ben Foden to start for England in Saturday's international against
Barbarians at Twickenham.
There has been much discussion this season about whether Foden's best position is at 15 or nine, and it was at full-back where he nailed down his place in the Saints first team.
The former Sale man made his England debut as a scrum-half replacement
against Italy in the Six Nations.
But Johnson has now asked the exciting utilty back to play as a right winger – and Foden is delighted to answer the call.
"I played on the wing for Sale, in fact I played a whole season there," said Foden.
"So I'm not unfamiliar with the position and hopefully I will be able to show a bit of experience."
And he added: "The way England want to play the game means the back three need to be able to play anywhere. They want their wingers to be involved in open play, and want them to be involved down the middle. So hopefully I will see a lot of ball, cause havoc and do a bit of damage.
"The versatility of England's back three is a massive thing, and it shows the faith the coaching team have in me that they think I can do a
good job for England on the wing."
It will be Foden's first start in an England shirt, and he admitted: "I am absolutely thrilled. Hopefully I can take my chance and play well."
England take on the Baa-Baas in a non-cap international before a Test
double header against Argentina.
They take on the Pumas at Old Trafford on June 6 and then in Argentina at Salta on June 13.
Joining Foden in the England starting line-up is club-mate Dylan Hartley while former Saints hooker Steve Thompson is on the bench.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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