FORD DRIVES JOE IN SUMMER TOUR PUSH

SALE’S Joe Carpenter was on the sidelines during England’s last tour but believes his link-up with George Ford can earn him a bigger role this summer.

- By Adam Hathaway

The 23-year-old lines up against visitors Saracens tonight in a crucial Premiership clash still smarting from the trip to Japan and New Zealand with Steve Borthwick’s party 11 months ago.

Then, the full-back did not get a minute on the pitch and was blanked for Borthwick’s training squads for the autumn and Six Nations campaigns.

But he is eyeing a tour to Argentina and USA this summer after helping Sale bounce back from three early defeats to be bang in the play-off race - and gave a nod to fly-half Ford’s starring role.