Englands sluggish forward effort in their 11-9 defeat to Wales last week was not helped by some poor lineout work between Thompson and his jumpers, with three throws going astray.

The Northampton forward though, has adopted a philosophical approach as England look to recapture the winning formula.

I have got one of those reputations about my throwing arm. I miss a couple, the other hooker misses a couple, but people just talk about me. I take it on the chin, said Thompson.

I am there to be shot at, but you cant start worrying about it because all of a sudden you make another mistake, and it just snowballs.

I have always said if I dont play well, then I am not going to be picked, but I am not going to start going into my shell and not enjoy playing for England. Its a great experience.

Thompson relishes playing in England's front row and cannot wait to lock horns with France's front three at Twickenham.

The French have picked a massive scrummaging front-row for Sunday, and it is just going to be an awesome contest in that area.

The best part about playing in the front-row is the confrontation in the scrums, and as stupid as I am, I enjoy it.