Autumn internationals news: Charlie Hodgson given England lifeline

12/05/2010

Charlie Hodgson's chances of playing in the autumn internationals have been given a boost after he was named in the squad for the summer tour of the southern hemisphere.

The Sale Sharks stand-off enjoyed a strong 2009-10 campaign, but he looked to be off England coach Martin Johnson's radar having not played a Test match in two years.

Thanks to the surprise recall, Hodgson will now have the chance to contest the number ten shirt with Toby Flood of Leicester Tigers and Toulon's Jonny Wilkinson.

If he is able to force his way into the starting line-up for the matches against Australia, the Australian Barbarians and the New Zealand Maori, it could increase his chances of winning selection for the autumn internationals.

On announcing the decision, Johnson said Hodgson has the backing of the England coaching panel and selectors.

"Charlie wouldn't have been picked if he didn't have our full confidence," the England boss commented. "His defence has improved. If it hadn't, we would have taken someone else."

Posted by Oliver Jakes