In-form Carpenter aims to advance England case by outshining Furbank

Sale Sharks full-back Joe Carpenter is targeting an England recall by aiming to outshine rival George Furbank when Sale face Harlequins at Corpacq Stadium this Sunday. Carpenter has made an impressive start to the Premiership season, ranking second in defenders beaten over the first two rounds, and hopes strong performances will put him back into head coach Steve Borthwick's selection plans ahead of the November internationals.

Carpenter credited his strong form to completing a full 10-week pre-season after missing summer international tours, which helped build his fitness, stamina, and backfield repeatability. Despite considering his options after Sale's difficult seventh-place finish last season, Carpenter committed to a new long-term deal following the arrival of major signings, including former England captain Courtney Lawes.