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Goode enough for England?

Monday 24th March 2008

Summer Backing: Goode was electric in Cardiff

Marcelo Loffreda believes Leicester fly-half Andy Goode could make a sensational return to the England set-up for the summer tour of New Zealand.

The 27-year-old playmaker was in commanding form at the Millennium Stadium as he guided the Tigers to a 34-24 win over Wasps, notching a personal tally of nineteen points in the process.

And Head Coach Loffreda, whose side has been strongly linked with a summer move for Juan Martin Hernandez, believes the nine-cap Goode would not let anyone down if he was handed an England recall.

"Maybe two months ago, many people had that opinion (that Goode could earn an England recall) because he was being very consistent," said the former Puma boss, speaking to the Leicester Mercury.

"Then he had some injuries - but now he has come back well and had a very solid game against Wasps. If he keeps this level of consistency, he could do perfectly well as part of the England squad.

"Goodey is a very professional player. He knows what he has to do, he is a decision-maker, he understands our game-plan and he knows the best ways to play against the opposition.

"His was an outstanding performance on Saturday - he was really consistent."

The victory over Guinness Premiership rivals Wasps has set up a Twickenham final against an equally impressive Ospreys side, who comfortably dealt with Saracens following the early all-English clash.

"It was a really good win for us," admitted Loffreda.

"We owed to it ourselves to have a good performance. The forwards were good and, in some stages, the backs were excellent.

"We are very happy but we know that we have to keep going forward and improving our game. We lost concentration at times in the second half.

"But it is very important for the club to reach a final. I am enjoying all of the experience that I am gaining with such a professional team full of such committed players. It has been great."