ENGLAND full-back Alex Goode described Charlie Hodgson as the best fly-half in the Aviva Premiership after watching him orchestrate Saracens’ 30-13 Heineken Cup victory over Racing Metro.

Hodgson gave a masterclass in every department at King Baudouin Stadium as he continues to produce some of the finest rugby of his career.

England coach Stuart Lancaster must choose between Toby Flood or Owen Farrell knowing that the nation’s best fly-half on current form entered international retirement last summer.

Goode feels England’s loss is Saracens’ gain as he marvels at a 31-year-old he views as the complete package.

‘‘Charlie’s a fantastic player who has been the best 10 in the Premiership for the last 10-15 years,’’ he said.

‘‘He knows when and when not to play. While he can throw 30-metre passes everywhere, his kicking against Racing was fantastic.

‘‘When it seemed like we were losing grip, he’d spiral the ball to within 10 yards of their line and put pressure on their pack.

‘‘It’s great to have him on board. It’s not for me to say if he’s retired from England too early, he’s got a family but he’s playing his best rugby for a while.

‘‘He’s been tremendously unlucky with World Cups so none of us should say what’s good for him. I’m just glad he’s playing for Saracens.’’ Harlequins’ Nick Evans may edge Hodgson as the Premiership’s foremost fly-half, but Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall is still able to savour the influence of his ringmaster.

‘‘Charlie’s playing some great rugby and is playing with freedom,’’ McCall said.

‘‘He’s one of the best passers of the ball in Europe and is playing outstandingly well at the moment.’’ Goode’s hopes of retaining England’s full-back jersey next month improved with his lively display in Brussels.

With Ben Foden sidelined by an ankle injury, he is competing with Mike Brown of Harlequins for the position in which he won both caps during last summer’s tour to South Africa.

‘‘To be capped by England was fantastic,” he said. “Playing well in these big European games is the key,’’ he said.

‘‘As a young guy you just want to be playing, especially in matches like yesterday when the ball’s being thrown around and you have a smile on your face.

‘‘I have a great role at 15 and I’ve been getting more involved and having more influence.’’ Tries from Chris Wyles, Steve Borthwick and Will Fraser and 15 points from Hodgson cemented Saracens’ place at the summit of Pool One and as the best performing English club in Europe.

Cardiff Blues director of rugby Phil Davies refused to criticise referee George Clancy for not dishing out a card to Toulon full-back Delon Armitage for his high challenge on Gavin Evans during the French side’s 22-14 Heineken Cup win in Wales.

The incident occurred during the first half of the Pool Six clash as the Blues looked to attack down their left.

The England international led with his shoulder and caught the Cardiff centre on the head. Evans was stretchered off and sent to hospital for checks.

While Evans did stumble as he reached Armitage, who has had his fair share of disciplinary issues over the last two seasons, the former London Irish man made no effort to wrap his arms around his opponent to complete a legal tackle.