Goode: 'It's recognition of how fast the club is going forward' (From Times Series)

England full-back Alex Goode says Saracens' emerging internationals show how fast the club is moving forward

11:53am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

England full-back Alex Goode believes the number of Saracens players emerging on the international scene shows "how fast the club is going forward".

Sarries had 11 players called up for England honours earlier this month - three of whom were selected for the very first time.

Goode, Owen Farrell, Chris Ashton and Brad Barritt have all been named in the starting line-up for the crunch Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday while Mako Vunipola and David Strettle are also named on the bench.

Meanwhile first time call-ups Will Fraser, Joel Tomkins and George Kruis will all start for the Saxons tomorrow against Scotland A along with Richard Wigglesworth.

Goode paid tribute to his team mates and says the Men in Black's English contingent stands Sarries in good stead for the future.

"I think it's recognition of how fast the club is going forward and how well they've done," Goode said. 

"The likes of myself, Will Fraser, George Kruis who have all come through the academy system here and you've only got to look at our backline - Richard Wigglesworth, Owen Farrell, Charlie Hodgson, Joel Tomkins, Chris Ashton, Stretts.

"We're all English so it's fantastic there are a lot of young guys coming through and it's very healthy for the squad and there's a lot of competition for places.

"It shows the strength of depth and what we're trying to bring through."