Foden, 27, required surgery last week to repair ankle ligament damage suffered during the Saints recent Aviva Premiership clash with Bath and now faces a fitness battle to stake his international claim during next year’s RBS 6 Nations.

Since making his debut in 2009 – Foden has been a near ever-present in an England back three under former boss Martin Johnson and now Lancaster.

But Lancaster pointed to the form of Harlequins No.15 Mike Brown and Saracen Alex Goode, who both filled the England fullback jersey during the summer tour of South Africa, as a reason for optimism in Foden’s extended absence.

“Losing Ben is obviously disappointing from an experience point of view because he was in the leadership group with England,” said Lancaster, speaking at the BMW Academy launch in Reading.

“But equally obviously by moving him onto the wing in South Africa in the summer it allowed Mike Brown and Alex Goode to get an opportunity.

“He had to have his operation this week, so he is going to be out probably until Christmas.

“Beyond Christmas I am sure he will be back fighting for his place back in the side, get into the Six Nations and hopefully for him the end goal being on the Lions tour next summer, but it is one step at a time for him.

“Alex Goode and Mike Brown both played full-back in South Africa and both did extremely well.

“And there are still quite a few games to go before the autumn so we will see how it goes and formulate our plans nearer the time.

“The Aviva Premiership is the bread and butter for us as international coaches you watch every game every week, and you are always looking for the players who are consistently in form.

“People have one-off big games but it is those players who play well consistently. We have a lot of players in England to choose from and it is making sure we track them all and make the right decisions.”

BMW Group UK is the Official Vehicle Partner for the RFU and England Rugby. As a key element, BMW Group UK is Official Partner of England’s elite age grade development programme and front of shirt sponsors of the England Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 squads.