Much of the talk this season has been about the form of Harlequins, and in particular full-back Mike Brown, as Conor O’Shea’s men swept all before them in the first half of the domestic season.

But with England interim head coach Stuart Lancaster in attendance at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night Foden picked the perfect opportunity to showcase his ability ahead of next month’s RBS 6 Nations.

And the 26-year-old, who blew past Brown for his first-half try, admitted that he knew the pressure was on him to produce a performance when it mattered most.

“We knew it was going to take a lot to beat them as the league leaders but we like to think we’ve got good form at home and we managed to put them a sword in the end,” said Foden.

“It showed in our work on the defensive end, Quins have been unbelievable this season and are deservedly clear at the top of the table so we knew we were going to have to work hard.

“Mike (Brown) got me a few times early on so I knew I needed to make up for that with my try but Browny’s a superb player and it’s likely that we’re going to see him in the Six Nations.

“It’s great for me to have that sort of pressure on me, I’ve played age group rugby with him from way back so I know what a quality player he is and I'm looking forward to seeing him down at the camp if we’re selected.

“All I can do is keep performing on the field at Saints and then get down to England camp and hopefully if selected do all I can to earn the shirt.”

And Foden wasn’t the only one to enhance his claims for a place in Lancaster’s squad that is announced on January 11.

Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson also shone in his match up against Danny Care who is out of the running for the Six Nations after his drink driving conviction.

And Quins captain Chris Robshaw turned in a magnificent performance despite finishing on the losing side while back row rival Tom Wood also impressed.