NEWCASTLE Falcons skipper Phil Dowson has spoken of his pride at being named captain of England Saxons for Friday's home game with Portugal.

Dowson, who has been in fine form in this season's Guinness Premiership, will captain an England second-string that includes the likes of Harry Ellis and Nick Abendanon.

"I'm very proud to be taking it on," said the Falcons number eight. "For all the squad it's an opportunity to step outside our club environments, and play a game where the biggest pressure on us is the pressure we put on ourselves.

"We have a very talented group of players. We want to play fast, running rugby. We have so much speed and talent out wide, plus the exuberance of youth."

Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster added: "Phil has been in outstanding form this season. He has the respect of his peers, both at Newcastle and within the Saxons camp. He leads by example and is intelligent enough to make the right calls and pull the team together."

Friday's game, which takes place at Sale's Edgeley Park ground, kicks off a two-game series that will also see the Saxons take on Ireland A.