Daily Mirror

ALEX: I WILL COME GOODE AND PROVE EDDIE WRONG

England v Barbarians Tomorrow, Twickenham 3pm

- BY ALEX SPINK

IF Alex Goode thought being Premiershi­p player of the year would boost his England chances he was wrong.

His year-long reign ended a week ago with a solitary cap to show for the 12 months his name was up in lights.

He has not figured since and being omitted by Eddie Jones from the upcoming squad to tour Argentina led him to a conclusion. If you can’t join them, beat them!

So it is that Saracens’ two-time European Cup winning full-back plays tomorrow for the Barbarians against England.

“Last year I had a great year and I couldn’t quite get in. That was tough,” Goode said. “This season we won the Champions Cup again and I was really happy with how I played in the final.

“But Eddie called to say he wasn’t taking me on tour. He just said I had to play well in the upcoming big games. That was it really.

“There are a lot of people disappoint­ed, I’m not the only one. It’s part of being a pro sportsman. You’ve got to make sure you work hard to get back from knockbacks.”

No caps are being awarded at Twickenham where England field eight rookies – among them Sam Underhill, who previously played in Wales and was ineligible. Now with Bath, he gets his first start.

 ??  ?? ON A MISSION Alex Goode
ON A MISSION Alex Goode

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