Hodgson has been increasingly impressive as England's fly-half

As Hodgson's club coach at Sale the French great has watched the England number 10 blossom from a playmaker with potential into a world-class fly-half.

"If you had spoken to me this time last year, I would have said Charlie wasn't the final article. Now, though, he is the final article," said Saint-Andre.

"He is a fantastic playmaker - he can be the player of the Six Nations."

When England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Jonny Wilkinson looked set to fill the England fly-half berth for many years to come.

He is a fantastic footballer Saint-Andre on Hodgson

However, the desperately unlucky Wilkinson has been hit by an appalling run of injuries, giving Hodgson the chance to grow into the role.

His form over the past year has been excellent and Saint-Andre believes Hodgson's improvement is down to his extra experience.

"I think his confidence has grown a lot," said Saint-Andre.

"Over the past 18 months, he has played some tough games for Sale, England and the Lions, and he has so much more experience.

"Charlie has done a lot of work, and he has grown up a lot as a leader.

"Before, it was always about Jonny Wilkinson or Charlie Hodgson, but now I think Charlie is the fly-half for England.

"It wasn't easy for Charlie because he didn't have that much experience of the highest level, and he knew if he missed a kick then people would start talking about Wilkinson, so just imagine the pressure that was on him.

"The situation between Charlie as a player now, and Charlie last year, is completely opposite. He is a different animal.