ENGLAND

Wilko puts his captaincy hand up

Wednesday 06th August 2008

Old pals: Johnson aware of Wilkinson's qualities

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has admitted it would be an "honour" to be asked to captain his country.

Team Manager Martin Johnson has yet to reveal who will be his first full-time appointment in the role, with Steve Borthwick temporarily handed the reins for the tour to New Zealand.

Former skipper Phil Vickery is also likely to be in the running along with the likes of Simon Shaw and young duo James Haskell and Tom Rees for the job.

Wilkinson has led England in the past and was initially former coach Andy Robinson's pick as skipper only for injury to rob him of the role.

However the Newcastle star, who is the leading points scorer in Test rugby, insists it is a pleasure to captain the England.

"That is a team you would look at and say immediately it would be an honour for anyone to lead," Wilkinson said, speaking to Sky Sports News.

"England rugby has always been - regardless whether it is the era as World Cup winners, finishing second or being knocked out in the quarter-finals as we were in 1999 - a team full of promise, incredible work-rate, belief, effort, collective respect and trust. With all those values, captaining the side is an absolute joy.

"I have captained the side - not as many times as others but I have always really enjoyed the job because you just have this feeling when you look at the guys around you and you think it is a pleasure to be here.

"You have a huge faith that these guys are doing everything they can for you so it is east to reciprocate that.

"It is one of those things where whoever is asked I'm sure will be overjoyed. I don't know too many people who have been asked to captain England and turned it down."