CHRIS Pennell may have missed out on a spot in England’s World Cup training squad but fellow Red Rose full-back Ben Foden is convinced the Worcester Warrior will bounce back.

Last week, Stuart Lancaster named 50 men to participate in pre-World Cup training camps, however Pennell’s name was omitted after an injury-plagued season in the Championship with Worcester.

The 28-year-old shone in the top flight during the 2013/14 season, earning himself an England debut last summer, but raised eyebrows by choosing to stick with his hometown club in the second tier.

And while Foden admits that decision probably cost Pennell a World Cup spot, the Northampton Saints No.15 insists his future is still bright.

“I think everyone who spoke to Chris said to him, you need to be playing in the Premiership if you want to be taken seriously for the World Cup,” explained Foden, who has 34 England caps.

“He’s a good player, a great player, but he’s had a bit of a quiet season and I think he picked up a few injuries.

“He’ll be back no doubt, especially if Worcester come back in the Premiership and he’ll be banging on the door.

“At the same time, it shows how dedicated he is to Worcester – he stayed with the club when they went down after being on fire last year and really coming into his own.

“He’ll definitely consider himself back in the reckoning if Worcester come back into the Premiership for next year.”

While Pennell looks set to miss out on the World Cup action, youngsters up and down the country still have a chance with Foden helping launch Emirates’, an Official Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2015, Find the Flag competition.

Emirates will be challenging teenagers in host cities around England and Wales to find a hidden flag, and Foden is urging local fans to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“It’s great that the people of Birmingham can get involved with ‘Find a Flag’,” he added.

“I went to school in Birmingham actually and there a few other guys – Tom Wood is from Coventry and Matt Mullan is from around the area.

“Hopefully someone will set on up and we can see a lot more rugby being played in the Birmingham area.”

Emirates ‘Find the Flag’ competition is encouraging young fans to celebrate rugby coming to their home city.

By locating the hidden flag and sharing a selfie, fans will have the opportunity to win the chance to be an official Flag Bearer at Rugby World Cup 2015. Visit Emirates social channels to follow the flag.