My confidence is fine - Hodgson

Hodgson's substitution against Argentina was widely criticised

Charlie Hodgson has shrugged off concerns that his early substitution in England's defeat against Argentina may have dented his confidence.

Hodgson, who plays fly-half against South Africa on Saturday, was hauled off after 53 minutes as England slumped to their seventh defeat in a row.

"I shut it out of my mind straight away, it has gone," he insisted.

"From my point of view I don't see confidence as being an issue. I'm a lot stronger mentally than I used to be."

The defeat brought renewed calls that head coach Andy Robinson should be dismissed from his post, but Hodgson said the players should take the blame for the defeat.

Throughout your career you have highs and lows but you have to take it on the chin England fly-half Charlie Hodgson

"We, as players, have to take full responsibility for the performance," said the Sale number 10.

"We let ourselves down and we let the crowd down. If you perform badly, there is not going to be a great reaction.

"I had a chat with the coaches, and it is about getting a better understanding about what we are all after - we all want the same thing.

"Throughout your career you have highs and lows but you have to take it on the chin and move on."

Hodgson will be up against hard-tackling South African fly-half Butch James on Saturday and Springboks coach Jake White has predicted a "rough ride" for Hodgson.

606 DEBATE: How will Hodgson fare against South Africa?

However, Hodgson prospered in his last outing against South Africa, contributing 27 points as England won 32-16, and he is hoping to have the last laugh once more.

"Hopefully, it will go as well for me as last time against South Africa, but all I am concerned about is getting the victory," he said.

"Butch James does have a reputation of being a very physical fly-half, so it is something we have to look out for, and step out of the way as soon as possible!"

There have been some pretty honest conversations taking place and everyone is just looking forward to going out there on Saturday England prop Phil Vickery

Phil Vickery is on the bench almost a year to the day since he last played for England.

The 30-year-old prop, who recently returned to action after a third back operation, said the team was determined to turn things round.

"There has been a lot of soul-searching going on, and we have had a good look at ourselves," he said.

"There have been some pretty honest conversations taking place, and everyone is just looking forward to going out there on Saturday.

"The preparation and the intensity has been there, and rightly so, because last weekend was hugely disappointing for everyone.

"The difference between success and failure is very, very small. I don't think there is one specific reason (for England's slump), I think it is the combination of a lot of things."