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The 22-year-old has been in electric form this season, scoring 15 tries in 16 games and is the leading try-scorer in the Guinness Premiership.

England boss Martin Johnson could hardly ignore such form, and Ashton is joined in the 32-man Elite Pla

er Squad by Saints team-mates Courtney Lawes, Ben Foden and Dylan Hartley, though Shane Geraghty has been left in the Saxons squad.

Phil Dowson has been recalled to the Saxons with Stephen Myler retaining his place in England's second string.

Ashton's double joy completes a remarkable turnaround for the former England rugby league squad member. Just a year ago Ashton couldn't get in the Saints side and finished his maiden Premiership campaign with just one try to his name.

He admitted this was a make-or-break season for him in the 15-man game, but with a new contract and an England call-up, Ashton has well and truly made it.

"Saints has been a great club to be a part of over the past couple of years," said Ashton. "I've settled here and there is a great bunch of lads. It was a hard year last year as I came to terms with the Premiership, but the coaches stuck with me and are helping me get better at rugby union. I'm still learning though and I believe I can improve a lot.

"It's exciting to be at a club that is going places. We're ambitious to be one of the top clubs in England and in Europe and can only get better over the next few years."

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder added: "Chris has worked very hard on his game, especially over the past 18 months.

"After a fantastic season in National League One, he had a quiet first year in the Premiership. But he spent a lot of time learning the game and he is starting to reap the benefits now."