Hodgson all fired up for ‘Le Crunch’

CHARLIE HODGSON is braced for a tale of the unexpected when he makes his first England appearance at the Stade de France tomorrow.

The England fly-half has yet to encounter the French in their own backyard, although whatever happens this weekend, it surely cannot be worse than last year, when Hodgson and fellow goalkicker Olly Barkley were booed by the Twickenham faithful.

Missed penalties cost England as France, inspired by the boot of scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili, pinched an 18-17 verdict.