The Sale Sharks fly-half is still recovering from a knee cartilage operation after being injured during his clubs European Cup game against Leinster last month.

And it could not have happened at a worse time, given that he would have headed the queue to replace World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson, who was ruled out of the tournament because of a shoulder problem.

Charlies knee is improving now after his cartilage operation, but I think we are still about a month away, said Sharks coach Jim Mallinder.

England have three RBS 6 Nations games next month - against Ireland, Wales and France - and conclude their campaign in Paris on March 27.

In the absence of Wilkinson and Hodgson, Northamptons Paul Grayson has reclaimed the England number 10 jersey.

He produced outstanding performances in the away wins against Italy and Scotland, collecting 35 points to move him within eight of 400 for his country.