Sackey was named in a 30-man squad for the 2006 end of year rugby tests. After Mark Cueto pulled out through injury, Sackey was named in the starting line-up to face the All Blacks and made his England debut on Sunday 5 November 2006. His first try came a week later in England's 25–18 home defeat to Argentina. However, he was unable to build on his performances in these games after being forced out of the two subsequent games against South Africa and the 2007 Six Nations Championship through injury.