Alex Goode admits he was "shocked" to receive a call-up to the England Saxons squad for this summer’s Churchill Cup.

The 21-year-old talent capped an excellent first full season with Saracens by joining Brad Barritt, Noah Cato and Tom Mercey on the plane to Colorado for next month's tournament.

Goode, who played for the Saxons in January against Portugal, said: "I was very happy. Obviously it was a bit more of a shock for me compared to others. I'm just over the moon and it hasn't sunk in yet but once I'm on the plane to Colorado I'm sure it will sink in more.

"I got the call from Brian Smith and Stuart Lancaster [England coaches] and it was a massive moment for me. I knew there were four or five full-backs ahead of me so I was genuinely surprised to get the call-up."

Goode has played this season at full-back and has already been tipped by many as a future international star.

But the England prospect believes his natural ability is best suited to playing at fly-half and hopes to get the chance to shine in this position over the coming years.

With Glen Jackson scoring points for fun for the Men in Black, Goode accepts he will have to be patient but is confident he can prove his worth.

"I won't complain if I get 25 games at full-back each year but I will be disappointed if I don't ever get to give number ten a go," he said. "I just feel that the natural ability and talent I've got, in terms of England, is suited to ten rather than 15.

"I'm physical enough for fly-half and I've got a good kicking game but it does take time to develop at ten. It's a tough position to play but that is the position I can fully take [advantage of] my talent. It would be a dream to play there for England."

Goode was part of the Ipswich Town Academy as a teenager and contemplated becoming a professional footballer before choosing rugby. But the former Cambridge RFC player insists he has no regrets.

He said: "It was a difficult decision but I knew I had to go for one and rugby was the one for me. I have loved every moment of rugby and I wouldn't change it for the world. I wake up every day and love my job."

The all-round sportsman is part of a group of emerging English prospects at Vicarage Road but still managed to fend off competition from Cato and Andy Saull to win the Young Player of the Year award last weekend. And the Saxon paid tribute to former director of rugby Eddie Jones for helping him have such an impact for Saracens this season.

"Eddie was brilliant and the thing he did so well was give the younger players confidence," Goode added. "He would not have a go if you made mistakes. At first I was quite conservative but as you get more confidence you can express yourself.

"I think the turning point was at Christmas when we played against Wasps, London Irish and Gloucester. I played well in those games and it was a big step for me.

"I was up against top class players and once you know you can play against these guys then you become a different animal. It was a big stepping stone for me.

"Eddie was a big part of giving me a chance and seeing him want to leave said a lot. He was going to be here for four or five years and if he questioned that it said a lot."

Despite the uncertainty at the club in recent months, Goode insists he sees his future with the Men in Black under new director of rugby Brendan Venter. The back, whose contract runs until next year, revealed he would relish the chance to play his entire career at the club.

He said: "I would love to be a one-club man. I am very happy here, I love the area and it's close to my family. It's a great place to be, there is never a dull moment.

"Brendan is a very honest guy and he said he sees me as the number one full-back. He doesn't want to push me too early into fly-half because he said the best ones take time to develop.

"The club has to move on and get better. I'm very ambitious and want to win things. I think Brendan will bring that out because he expects the best from us."