Wilkinson, who has already been named captain of the team ahead of the November Tests, has only recently returned from a career-threatening injury and has battled to find the type of form that spearheaded England’s successful World Cup campaign.

Hodgson, meanwhile, has displayed impressive form for Sale, and was one of the few England players that came back from their disastrous tour of New Zealand and Australia in June with his reputation enhanced.

Robinson, however, seems to only have eyes for Wilkinson.

"I see Jonny as the No.1 pick in the style we want to play -the No.1 player in the 10 jersey," stated Robinson.

With that in mind, it would appear that for the moment Hodgson has hit a ceiling. And the 23-year-old could be banging his head on it for a while with the 25-year-old Wilkinson certain to enjoy a long and illustrious career with England.

"It is difficult to take," Hodgson told The Mirror.

"It’s disappointing more than anything else but it’s out of my hands.

"All I can do is keep knocking on the door and trying to impress Andy Robinson and the coaches when I have the opportunity -I just have to keep working hard.

"I feel I’m getting back to where I was before the injury [which kept him out of the World Cup] and I feel happier and a lot more confident with every game I play."

Hodgson’s coach at Sale, Philippe Saint-Andre was surprised at Robinson’s stance. Saint-Andre was firm in the belief that the Sharks pivot was the man for the England job, not Wilkinson.

"Charlie has shown that at the moment he’s the best fly-half in England," said Saint-Andre.

"Nine or ten months ago everyone would have agreed on Jonny [as England fly-half] but Jonny is not in top form.

"It may be that Andy Robinson will have to change his mind."

Hodgson will have the perfect chance to make a claim for the England jersey a week before the world champions play Canada, when Sale meet the Wilkinson-led Newcastle Falcons in the Zurich Premiership on November 5.

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