Morning:
13°c
Jonny Wilkinson today pleaded for patience from England fans, who expect him to be the injury-hit squad's saviour in the autumn Tests.
The fly-half's own career has been wrecked by injury but he will make his first appearance for Martin Johnson's side in 20 months when he faces Australia on 7 November.
England go into the Twickenham Test without 12 first-choice players and Wilkinson is well aware of the expectations upon him.
He said: "We've heard it before that things will be okay because Jonny's back. I know that's not the case and what I take comfort from is looking around the dressing room and thinking thank God I am surrounded by guys like this.
"You rise together and you take falls together and, while expectation creates external pressure, it's not something that happens internally within the squad."
Wilkinson joined Toulon from Newcastle in the summer to revive his career, which has been blighted by lengthy injury lay-offs since he helped England win the 2003 World Cup. The 30-year-old admitted today that injuries could have ended his international career.
"I probably did wonder if I would get back and it is amazing to be here again. I'm getting flashbacks to the period before the 2003 World Cup," he said.
"It's been six years since I've sat next to Martin Johnson and, during that time, I have had my injury setbacks. It's interesting because, in the six years, some guys have been extremely lucky with injury."
Wilkinson believes his new "streetwise" attitude has helped him prolong his career.
He said: "In terms of my own game, it's all about being more precise in what I do. I still have the attitude that, with every opportunity that comes along, I am not going to leave anything in the dressing room for next week.
"But maybe with experience you don't go into things headlong as you did as a youngster."
Team manager Johnson said: "You always miss world-class players when they are not there. Jonny is now back with us and it's about what people are is the easiest way I can sum up Jonny."
After the Australia Test, England face Argentina and New Zealand at Twickenham on successive Saturdays.
Reader views (3)
If he can't rescue England, why did they give him the job?
If I went into work tomorrow and stated "don't expect me to win any more contracts" I'd be sacked, and quite rightly.
- Kerry Trubee, Purley
England are not in demise but lack self belief, flair and the ability to close a game out. The injury situation is a result of the physicality "arms race" that has engulfed rugby. We now have wingers who are bigger and more poweful than the props back in the 1970's. The emphasis should return to ball handling skills, speed of thought tactics and a fast paced game.
- Steve, Hereford
Nobody expects him to do as badly as when he got dropped the last time he played. England's demise, in a sport where they have more professional players than all other nations, is terminal.
- Keith Price, Luton England
