Hodgson recalled as cover for Wilkinson

Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson has been called into the England squad following concerns over the fitness of Jonny Wilkinson ahead of Saturday's RBS 6 Nations showdown with Ireland.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Feb 2010, 09:06 BST

Updated 23rd Feb 2010, 09:06 BST

Wilkinson is suffering from "muscle tightness", but there was no immediate indication from the England management that he is in danger of missing the game.

Halifax-born Hodgson, who last played for England on the disastrous summer tour to New Zealand in 2008, trained with the squad yesterday after being summoned as precautionary cover for Wilkinson.

Wasps flanker Joe Worsley has returned to Martin Johnson's 32-man squad after recovering from a knee injury, while Brive centre Jamie Noon replaced Dan Hipkiss, who damaged his ankle at the weekend.

Wilkinson's fitness adds an extra twist to the debate over whether he should be retained at fly-half following England's one-dimensional performance in their 17-12 victory over Italy.

England last beat Ireland at Twickenham in 2008, when Danny Cipriani replaced Wilkinson at fly-half and produced a stunning performance on his full international debut.

Last year, Ireland won 14-13 at Croke Park.