Wilkinson aims to make amends

Jonny Wilkinson has been given the opportunity to go through the 1,000-point mark for England on Sunday - and is desperate to repay the faith shown in him.

Wilkinson, four points short of the landmark figure, was by no means certain to keep his place against Italy in Rome after his part in the disappointing defeat to Wales last Saturday.

"There's a lot that we want to put right and I'm excited to be involved," said Wilkinson.

Asked whether he was worried about being axed, Wilkinson replied: "The thing that makes me anxious nowadays is watching the video and thinking I am going to see something I could have done better. Something that's going to contradict the feeling I had when I'm out there.

"I'm not anxious about selection because I'm doing the best I can and, if there's someone better, then it's not fair that that person isn't here and I am.

"I have massive belief in this organisation and, if that call comes, then that's essentially being done in my best interests.

"Selection is out of my control - we're playing rugby, not a political game, and I don't want to be here if I'm not the right person.

"The key is beginning the process of putting things right - and putting them in the right perspective."