By Matt Majendie

CHARLIE HODGSON FACTFILE Born: 12 Nov 1980 Club: Sale Position: Fly-half Test caps: 19 Test points: 154 Did you know? He scored 44 points on his England debut Did you also know? His first sporting love was rugby league - notably Halifax

Charlie Hodgson believes he is a match for Jonny Wilkinson and is confident of remaining England's number 10 despite Wilkinson's return to form and fitness.

Hodgson, who will celebrate his 25th birthday as England's fly-half against Australia on Saturday, said: "It's good to have competition with Jonny.

"We both need that competitive edge - it'll only make us better players.

"But I feel I'm properly testing him and hope that'll make it a difficult call for Andy Robinson in the future."

Wilkinson, who has returned to Newcastle's starting line-up after a raft of post-World Cup injury problems, is not being rushed back into the England fold.

But in his prolonged absence last year, England struggled.

Hodgson: Goal-kicking cost England victory

Part of the problem was Hodgson's goal-kicking, which was a contributing factor in England's recent defeats, notably against Australia last November when he missed two straightforward penalties in the 21-19 defeat.

The Sale playmaker admits the pressure got the best of him but insisted there would be no repeat a year on against the Wallabies.

It's up to me to open the way for the others around me Charlie Hodgson

"I've got a thicker skin now," he said. "I feel like I can perform better under pressure and I'm confident in the way I've been kicking at the moment.

"In fact, I've never had a problem being the prime goal-kicker on the field. And hopefully the criticism I got has made me stronger."

There had been initial reports Mark van Gisbergen would be handed the kicking duties at full-back to lessen the pressure on Hodgson. But the New Zealand-born star was instead named on the bench for Saturday.

While happy to carry out kicking duties, Hodgson expects further criticism from Australian players and fans at Twickenham.

"That's good motivation to show them what I can do," said Hodgson, who has enjoyed a 76% success rate with his kicking in the Premiership this season, compared to 97% from van Gisbergen.

"I've just got to make sure I don't take it to heart."

But he warned Australia: "I'm happy to do the goal-kicking but I'm looking forward to getting those around me moving.