Dickens expects Myler to be a Saint for England

Myler was one of seven Northampton players selected by Stuart Lancaster ahead of next month’s Tests against New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and South Africa..

The 30-year-old was in fine form for his club last season, earning the man of the match award in both the Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup final successes.

And he has picked up where he left off this season, prompting Lancaster to pick him ahead of the likes of Freddie Burns and Danny Cipriani and alongside Saracens’ Owen Farrell and Bath’s George Ford.

“People always go back to Cipriani and the things he can do but Stuart Lancaster sees the qualities Stephen brings to Saints and he wants that in the England setup,” said Saints assistant coach Dickens.

“You look at the vital points he’s got us over the years, the kicks to win games, the kicks to keep us in games at certain times and he’s kicked on.

“He takes the leadership role seriously and I’m chuffed for him. Hopefully he goes well.”

And Dickens is also delighted to see uncapped Calum Clark named in the squad, following the flanker’s impressive start to the campaign.

“Calum has been close on a couple of occasions and had it not been for injuries he probably would have gone to Argentina last year,” said Dickens.

“He wasn’t selected due to injury so he’s been on the verge and this time he’s got the reward he deserves.”

Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Lee Dickson and Luther Burrell are also in the England squad, but Ben Foden’s fine form has not been enough to earn him a place.