Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has spoken in support of Ben Foden at full-back for England.

Foden has been released from the international squad to face New Zealand having not featured in any of the autumn internationals.

Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton: "He's been exceptional. All he can do is keep playing well.

"England's back three are good players, but they're wingers. You need someone playing consistently [at full-back]."

"Ben can do outstanding things, but Martin Johnson picks the side and it's up to him," added Mallinder.

Courtney Lawes has also been released from the squad to face New Zealand on Saturday.

"It's disappointing for Courtney, as he only got 10 or 15 minutes of international rugby [against Australia]. But it'll have done him good to be involved in the international set-up," Mallinder said.

Meanwhile, Shane Geraghty drops to the bench for England.

Hopefully they're improving all the time, and will have picked up bits from the players and coaches with England Jim Mallinder on Saints' returning England players

"It's been difficult for him. England haven't functioned as a group, but I hope he'll be learning lessons and if he gets an opportunity, he'll come off the bench and contribute," Mallinder said.

He added that he was not anticipating a problem with his players' confidence on their return to Franklin's Gardens.

"Shane, Ben and Courtney are good lads and they will have enjoyed their time there. Hopefully they're improving all the time, and will have picked up bits from the players and coaches with England," he said.

"I think they'll [look forward] to coming back here. We've got a good set up, and being back with the boys they can really enjoy themselves and play some good rugby."

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