Johnson finally takes up his post this morning and his first job is to pick a 32-man senior squad, a Saxons squad and an under-20s 32 that will be in place for the whole year.

In the new eight-year agreement between the clubs and the RFU, England will have greater control over the Elite Player Squad, and Johnson and his team of coaches will have greater access and preparation time ahead of internationals.

Foden was part of the England Saxons squad that won the Barclays Churchill Cup in North America last month along with fellow Saint Lee Dickson.

The pair will be hoping to have retained their places in what is England's reserves, while Dylan Hartley will be crossing his fingers that he will be in the senior 32-man squad after being picked for the tour of New Zealand last month.

Foden, who started the first game for Saxons against USA, but was then on the bench for the rest of the tournament, including the final win over Scotland, said: "I'm hoping I will have done enough to be back in the Saxons squad, so I can come back and show what I can do.

"Everybody wants to be in that senior squad and hopefully my performances over the coming season will keep me in the England coaches' thoughts and plans."

Saints winger Chris Ashton may also be in with a chance of being named in the Saxons squad after being called up to the training camp last season during a blistering record-breaking first campaign in union.

The former Wigan Warrior wasn't in the Churchill Cup squad, but after a year of continuous rugby it was probably felt the speedster needed a rest.

Although Hartley didn't feature in the two Tests against his native New Zealand, with both being lost comprehensively the hooker's chances of winning his first full cap may well have been enhanced by sitting in the stands.

Senior academy lock Courtney Lawes will be heading the queue of youngsters from Franklin's Gardens hoping to be named in the Under-20s squad today.