England’s Alex Goode raring to go after injury lay-off

Alex Goode insists he will be fit and raring to go for the start of the new season after missing England’s summer tour to Argentina through injury.

Goode is yet to return to full training for Saracens after withdrawing from Stuart Lancaster’s squad last May with a shoulder injury.

Sarries begin their new season against London Irish at Twickenham on 7 September, and Goode is confident he will be in the perfect shape to take his place in the starting XV.

Then he will look to find the form that made him a regular in Lancaster’s side ahead of England’s next big assignment – the autumn internationals against Australia, Argentina and world champions New Zealand.

“I’m not training with the team fully yet, but I’ve had a long off-season doing rehab on my shoulder and have come back leaner and stronger than before,” revealed 25-year-old Goode, who also spoke about the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s series, which kicks off on August 1 at Kingsholm.

“Come the season I am expecting myself to be stronger, faster and fitter which is a great way to start the year.

“I worked very hard to get myself into the England team and to give your shirt away is never nice – you never want to give anyone else a chance.

“I am under no illusions I have always got people breathing down my neck the whole time – as it should be for England, it is a competitive nation and we have got wonderful strength in depth.

“I want to make sure I come back for Saracens first and foremost and put some big performances in.”