Howard: Goode's the perfect 10

Leicester Tigers coach Pat Howard insists Andy Goode is England's best fly half.

Leicester Tigers head coach Pat Howard backed Andy Goode to usurp Charlie Hodgson as England's number one fly half, just hours before Andy Robinson announced the squad.

Hodgson has been in outstanding form for club and country, leading Sale Sharks to European and domestic dominance whilst adding to his growing reputation with a fine all-round performance against Australia.

Goode has also been a key figure for his club side, culminating in Sunday's dramatic victory over Stade Francais, which saw the stand-off haul his team back into the competition with a sublime chip for Louis Deacon's try.

Howard insists that such a moment is typical of the ability that distinguishes Goode from Hodgson, and the Tigers coach believes his man has more to offer the England team.

"I keep saying to Goodie there isn't any reason why he can't challenge Charlie," Howard told Sky Sports News.

"I know there's a lot of pressure on Charlie and he's a very good player but if Goodie plays at his best consistently he has some skills that Charlie doesn't have."

Hodgson is the firm favourite to start in the number 10 jersey when England entertain Wales in their Six-Nations opener, and with Jonny Wilkinson still struggling for fitness, Goode is the obvious deputy.

Having been left out of the autumn internationals, the Leicester man admits that he is merely happy with his recall for the time being, but he does have one eye on a future starting berth.

"Charlie's playing extremely well for Sale and played really well for England during the autumn internationals," admitted Goode.

"He deserves the spot as first choice 10 for England. My job is just to put pressure on him by playing well for Leicester and I'd like to be his back-up and his number two.

"When you're in the squad you put pressure on at training and stuff like that as well."