SAINTS: Foden fury at England camp
Ben Foden has criticised the England coaching staff for not telling him what he needs to do to get into Martin Johnson's side.
The Saints full-back revealed his frustration after another top-class display in Saturday's 26-17 win over Harlequins.
Despite consistently brilliant performances for Saints, Foden has been realeased early by England for all three autumn internationals, with Martin Johnson electing to use wingers Ugo Monye and in the defeat to New Zealand Mark Cueto.
With Delon Armitage injured it seemed the ideal opportunity to try Foden out in his now preferred position of full-back, but Johnson doesn't seem to trust the 24-year-old's inexperience at Test level.
Foden said: "My criticism of the England coaches is the lack of feedback from them. I haven't been told what I need to work on or what I can do to get into the side.
"I'm pretty livid. I saw these matches as a massive opportunity for me, with Delon (Armitage) injured.
"It is a bit frustrating. All I can do is keep playing the best that I can for Saints and hopefully they will take notice sooner or later.
"I'm enjoying playing for my club, there is a good atmosphere here and we are encouraged to play running rugby knowing that we won't get our heads bitten off if we make a mistake."
Foden has come to realise that his future lies at full-back after joining Saints wanting to play at scrum-half. And he is understanding that it is a specialised position, something he feels England need.
"Ugo didn't have the best of games against Argentina, but he is a quality player and that can happen to anybody," said Foden.
"I feel you do need a specialist full-back, somebody who plays there week-in, week-out for their club. It is the little things – where you need to be positioned and when to run and when to kick, and what sort of kick you need to put in."
Foden enjoyed another home win with Saints and he feels they are playing some good rugby at the moment.
"The boys worked hard. Quins came to play a bit of rugby, and we're happy to get the result. Getting the win is the important thing. A few results went our way yesterday and we'll take what we can.
"We're an exciting team to watch and we come to play rugby. That's what makes us a dangerous side, teams know they have to play rugby if they want to beat us.
"We're proud of our home record. The crowd get behind us, the players get behind each other and we're able to play. The forwards give a platform and the backs put the ball through the hands."
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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