Charlie Hodgson says he will thrive on resuming his England fly-half tussle with Jonny Wilkinson if and when the World Cup hero returns to the squad. Hodgson is set to start the autumn Tests but knows Wilkinson is likely to be in the frame by the Six Nations.
"I relish the challenge, I would not be playing if I did not want challenges like that," Hodgson told BBC Five Live.
"It's good for me and it's good for him and it's good that we can compete against each other."
The pair have been battling for the number 10 jersey since Hodgson, who has 19 caps, made his England debut in 2001.
 |  It is good incentive for me to try and overtake Jonny and be the number one |
But Hodgson has held the jersey since the summer of 2004, with Wilkinson suffering a host of injuries that have prevented him playing for his country since the 2003 World Cup victory. Hodgson was also the form fly-half on the recent Lions tour to New Zealand, despite not featuring in the Test matches.
He insists he is concentrating on his own game ahead of November Tests against Australia, New Zealand and Samoa, despite Wilkinson inching back to fitness and form with Newcastle in recent weeks.
"I never really concentrate on Jonny, I concentrate on myself," Hodgson added on Five Live's Rugby Special programme on Thursday.
"I have been adamant over the past few years that I would challenge him for the number one spot whether or not he is playing.
"Thankfully he is fit and playing again and getting back to the form that he had before his injuries.
"A few years ago people would say that I am stupid for wanting to challenge Jonny for the number 10 shirt but slowly and surely I have tried to change people's opinions on that.
"It is a good incentive for me to try and overtake Jonny and be the number one."
MMIX
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