England is still my target Spencer

BEN SPENCER will continue to put his best foot forward – either his left or his right, it makes no odds – in his bid to become England’s No.9 this autumn.

- JON NEWCOMBE

The two-footed kicker’s six caps have all come off the bench, and been spread out over six years, but the 32-year-old’s chances of a first Test start have been helped by not only his outstanding early season form but also Alex Mitchell’s neck injury.

First-choice Mitchell, right, looks to be a major doubt for November, leaving the way clear for Spencer and others like Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall to put their hand up for selection.

“I have never given up on the want to play for England, it is a huge honour to play for your country,” said Spencer, who made his England debut against South Africa in the summer of 2018

“For as long as I am playing the game I don’t think there will ever be a time when I am not motivated to play for England.

“It has been frustrating at times, don’t get me wrong, but it has always been right at the top (of his ambitions) and if I get another opportunity, then great. I will keep working hard to push the other nines.”

Spencer was accustomed to sharing game time at his first club Saracens but at Bath he has taken on a pivotal role, both as a leader and firstchoice scrum-half. Only eight of his 80 league appearances in blue, black and white have come from the bench.