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Page last updated at 09:52 GMT, Friday, 18 September 2009 10:52 UK

Mallinder backs Foden for England

Ben Foden
Foden is in action for Northampton against Gloucester on Saturday

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder has backed Ben Foden for an England call-up for November's games against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

The 24-year-old full-back could get the nod to replace Delon Armitage, who is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

"Ben is in a good position," Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton.

"It's annoying and frustrating for Armitage. But all Ben can do is keeping playing well for us, and if he does that he'll have a good chance."

Foden, who won his first senior England cap against Italy earlier this year, will aim for another eye-catching performance when Saints tackle Gloucester in the Premiership at Kingsholm on Saturday.

His case for further international recognition has also been supported by former England star Jeremy Guscott.

Writing in his column for BBC Online, Guscott said: "I would go with Foden. He's just been irresistible with his attacking play and there are few players with his ambition to attack, and succeed in doing so, on a regular basis."



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see also
Jeremy Guscott column
16 Sep 09 |  English
Armitage to miss November Tests
15 Sep 09 |  English
Foden 'deserves full-back chance'
09 Mar 09 |  Northampton


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