Moody hails 'great' Wilko

Coach Brian Ashton issued a barely-veiled threat to a number of his underperforming stars this week, warning it was time to dazzle against France in the RBS 6 Nations this weekend or face exclusion from his side.

With the likes of rising star Danny Cipriani waiting in the wings to take over at fly-half, Wilkinson is widely assumed to be one of those in danger of losing his place.

But Moody insists the World Cup winner remains a key part of the English side.

"Jonny will be remembered as one of the greatest players England have ever had," the Leicester back row told The Sun.

"He's been exceptionally consistent over the years and he's still only 28. To maintain that level is the hardest thing because you're constantly getting battered, knocked and injured.

"Jonny's a good example to the young guys coming through because his work ethic is so tireless.

"He's constantly trying to better himself and that's the most important thing for young players to see.

"Just because you're in the England squad doesn't mean you have the right to stay there - you have to work at it.

"But it's good to see players like Danny Cipriani, Matt Stevens, Lee Mears and George Chuter pushing for places in the starting XV because it makes the first team players work that much harder and gives the squad strength in depth."