Saxons head coach Stuart Lancaster impressed by Saints

Ashton is the top try scorer in the Premiership with 11

England Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster says Northampton wing Chris Ashton and full-back Ben Foden are "close" to making the full international team.

Both players were named in England's Six Nations squad but have yet to be selected for first-team action.

Lancaster told BBC Radio Northampton: "[England] had a good look at Chris in Portugal and he is getting closer now.

"If he keeps scoring tries he'll push himself forward. At the moment, he's got an uncanny knock of doing that."

"It is obviously a big step for him, it's a different environment and I think the opportunity to go to Portugal [for training with the senior squad] will only have done him good," added Lancaster.

Delon Armitage was one of the form players of last year, and Ben's going to have to be patient and wait his turn.

Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster

Foden was named amongst the England replacements for the Six Nations opener against Wales, but was dropped for the trip to Italy.

"I don't think he can do any more, he's certainly worked hard on his game and spoken to [England attack coach] Brian Smith about areas he's going to work on.

"He's in a very competitive position. Delon Armitage was one of the form players of last year, and Ben's going to have to be patient and wait his turn.

"He needs to target the next England game, or if that doesn't come, he needs to think about getting in the 2011 World Cup squad.

"Ultimately that's where he wants to be and I'm sure he's very close to it."

Saints had Phil Dowson, Shane Geraghty, Jon Clarke and Stephen Myler involved with the Saxons for their wins over Ireland A and Italy A.

"Northampton are doing well so obviously that's going to help.

"The next step is the extended tour party to Australia and New Zealand in the summer. Potentially 44 players are going and I'm sure all those players are itching to go."