I haven't made Jonny the scapegoat for Scotland fiasco, insists England coach Ashton

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The World Cup winner's place has been taken by 20-year-old Danny Cipriani for the final match of the tournament against Ireland.

But Ashton insists Wilkinson is still very much part of his plans.

"Jonny has not been as consistent during this tournament as he was in latter stages of the World Cup, performances have gone up and down, and I just felt Danny Cipriani has been playing exceptionally well at 10 (for Wasps)."

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It's not personal: Ashton explains his thinking to Wilkinson at training today

Ashton added: "Everyone is equal. From within the squad it's just another selection decision that needed to be made."

Ashton revealed Wilkinson had accepted his fate with customary grace. "He was very professional in his approach to it," Ashton said.

"Here's a guy that's scored more points than anyone else and he is still going to be a valuable member of the squad going forward.

"International rugby these days is more or less a 22-man game and he's part of the squad."

On Cipriani, Ashton added: "He's got a vast range of skills and I am hoping he will bring good authority on decision making.

"Part of his job is playing without the ball - he needs to defend as well as attack."

Wilkinson's omission for Cipriani was the only change from the side which lost so poorly at Murrayfield, and Ashton revealed he was wary of a mass cull.

In at No 10: Ashton with Cipriani today

"I've never been one for knee-jerk reaction, and whilst some players will admit they didn't play at Murrayfield, the guys I have selected, including Jonny, deserve another chance."

Defence coach Mike Ford described Wilkinson has the world's best defensive fly-half but backed Cipriani to ably fill his boots in that department on Saturday.

"He's probably the world's best defender at 10," Ford said of the ousted Wilkinson.

"Team-wise, we've trained very well today with Danny in there. He knows at the weekend he's going to have to front up. Danny's got the ability to do that."

Wilkinson is on the bench as cover both for Cipriani and inside centre Toby Flood, who did not train today.

Ashton was confident Flood would be fit to resume tomorrow, saying: "There's no real doubt about him."