Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan is expecting a physical encounter with England on Saturday after claiming Martin Johnson's side have been the victims of unfair criticism.

England have been rounded on in the media following the nature of their uninspiring 17-12 victory over Italy two weeks ago.

Their one-dimensional approach in Rome and the off-colour performance of fly-half Jonny Wilkinson have been widely criticised, but O'Callaghan is still expecting to be fully tested at Twickenham.

"We can play England at any sport and everyone watching will want us to beat them. Rugby's no different," he said.

"Granted we might know a few of them, but it's still England and a massive game.

"Matches against them have been hugely physical in recent times. From one to eight we know we have to perform.

"They're not one dimensional at all, just look at the quality of the broken-field runners they have. They've been getting an awful time unfairly.

"They have quality players who probably haven't clicked as they would have liked, but when they do they can rip someone apart."