Wilko can follow my fightback

So, how does Hodgson deal with the situation?

"I was out for eight months and another three months after that, so I have done my time in rehab," he said.

"It's nice to finally get an opportunity to play on a regular basis and it's not annoying that there is so much talk about Jonny and his injuries. People have their own opinions and I have been through hard times and come out the other side and, hopefully, that proves to Jonny he can come through it as well.

"I hope it gives him confidence to see I'm back playing regularly. I also realise this situation is a massive opportunity for me."

England's six-try win over Italy featured scores from first-phase play - something that is meant to be almost impossible against international defences. The fact England were able to disprove this view has given the entire back division a lift. Hodgson is hoping to produce more of the same against the Scots.

"You always enjoy being part of a successful back line," he said. "To score a few tries from setpieces - which doesn't happen very often - was pleasing and a big confidence boost for myself and the rest of the back line.

"Personally and collectively, we have improved throughout the campaign and it's a shame the Championship is coming to an end this weekend."

For England, the Calcutta Cup match is overshadowed by events in Cardiff, where Wales are attempting to win the Grand Slam against an Irish side chasing backto-back Triple Crowns.

The 6pm kick-off at Twickenham also paints the match as an after-thought on the final day of the Six Nations. Hodgson admits it will be a different kind of match.

He said: "There is, I suppose, the feeling that we are apart from what is the Championship finale and we have let ourselves down during the campaign and want to finish on a high.

"People are expecting us to win by a fair amount but if the Scots produce the form they showed in the second half against Wales, then it's going to be a very tough match.

"They have Jason White in the back row and I play with him at Sale. He puts in massive hits for us and carries the ball well. He took the game to France in Paris and is a talisman in the back row.

"He is a tough man to play against and, thankfully, I am alongside him for the majority of the season."

Patently, England fans want Wilkinson back in the squad and that will be the case no matter what Hodgson achieves. In those circumstances, does Hodgson have a problem forging a friendship with England's World Cup hero?

"We don't tend to talk about matches, just general chit-chat," he said. "It's a good relationship but I won't be in contact with Jonny unless it's with England. We get on fine.

"That's the way things work out and you have close friends in any group but you are still friends with all the other lads."