Delon Armitage has Ben Foden on edge

Ben Foden believes he's under more pressure than ever following Delon Armitage's outstanding return to England colours.

The London Irish full-back returned to the starting line-up last Saturday for the first time since losing his shirt to his Northampton rival last year and turned in an eye‑catching display in the laboured 23-19 win over Wales.

With Manu Tuilagi also putting pressure on Mike Tindall for the outside centre berth and Jonny Wilkinson breathing down Toby Flood's neck, Foden believes the intense competition can only benefit Martin Johnson's squad.

"There was a bit of a mixed emotion on Saturday because I want England to do well and Delon is a good friend of mine and he played so well," said Foden.

"It definitely puts the pressure back on me. The ball is back in my court and I know the next time I get a chance to wear the shirt I need to perform. I think it's good and it's very healthy for the game and English rugby. No one can afford to sit back and rest on their laurels and think they'll definitely be starting in the World Cup.

"We saw at the weekend guys who took their chances and put pressure on the guys who may have been pencilled in.

"Delon put in a very good performance, he's showing the sort of form he showed in 2009, and I need to match that and make sure I keep my nose ahead of him."

Foden remains in pole position to wear the No15 shirt when England open their World Cup campaign against Argentina on September 10 and is expected to be in the XV for Saturday's Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

"It's one of my dreams to get to a World Cup so to come this far and get this close means there is probably more pressure on me than ever," said Foden.