Rugby World Cup
Ben Foden refuses to give up dream
ESPN Staff
June 8, 2015
Ben Foden
Ben Foden© (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Northampton Saints full-back Ben Foden has not given up hope of representing England at this year's Rugby World Cup.

The 29-year-old won the last of his 34 caps against New Zealand in November 2013 and was overlooked for Stuart Lancaster's World Cup training squad as he recovers from a serious knee injury.

However, Foden is intent on forcing his way into England's final 31-man squad - which has to be named by August 31 - and has revealed contact with Lancaster has been positive.

"It is very frustrating but I've had contact with both Lancaster and [backs coach] Andy Farrell and they've told me that I'm in their thoughts," he told the Northants Herald and Post.

"If I can get myself right and fit then I'll be called into the squad and that's great for someone like me to hear.

"It's disappointing to pick up an injury but having something to aim at will inspire me and encourage me to get my body and mind right.

"If that's just in the training squad, then I'll help in any way I can but if I can get in the 31-man World Cup group then even better and I'll put myself in the best possible position to do that."

England, who kick off the World Cup against Fiji at Twickenham on September 18, head to Denver for a high-altitude training camp next month, before warm-up matches begin against France on August 15.

With Lancaster having named an initial 50-man squad, it would seem a back-three player would have to drop out for Foden to be given a chance.

© ESPN Staff

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