Alex Goode insists he will "feel the love" at Saracens as he comes to terms with England's World Cup demise.
The hosts stage the final match of their doomed Pool A campaign against Uruguay at Manchester City Stadium on Saturday after successive defeats to Wales and Australia sealed their departure from the tournament after a mere 16 days.
Following a summer of gruelling preparation for an event that began amid such high expectation, players will return forlornly to their clubs on Monday in time for the opening round of the new Aviva Premiership season.
It is an unexpected turn of events made possible by England's worst World Cup performance and Goode starts at full-back against Uruguay knowing he is likely to fill the same position for Saracens against Sale seven days later.
"It will feel strange having lived in the camp with the England guys for 17-18 weeks and then heading back to a different environment ," Goode said.
"I'm lucky to be part of the Saracens squad and I will be happy to go back and play some games.
"Obviously I would prefer to still be in the World Cup, but I am going back to a top side and will feel the love there. Sale at home is a great way to start the campaign."
England's exit was the first time a host nation has failed to reach the knockout phase and has been described by some as the darkest hour in Red Rose history.
"The mood was pretty downcast in the first couple of days after the Australia match, but we have tried to turn that corner and show a positive front," Goode said.
"Training on Tuesday was a lot more upbeat and there are guys who are still downcast, but we are putting that behind us."
England's line-up against Uruguay offers a glimpse into their future after head coach Stuart Lancaster named a midfield trio of George Ford, Owen Farrell and Henry Slade in the starting XV.
"There are a lot of guys who want to run, pass and play good rugby and the attitude will be to try and showcase all our skills so people can see what we can do as a team and especially as a back line. We want to create chances and score tries," Goode said.
"We want to put on a big performance and there are a few guys who haven't played much rugby. We are unbelievably excited to go out there and play in a World Cup."
Source: PA
