I can’t see this happening myself, but I suppose this question will always be out there after England’s performance in the autumn internationals.

England fly-half Evens to be made a scapegoat for three straight games without a try

England emerged from a 19-6 loss to New Zealand with far more credit than their previous two November internationals but it was still a third straight match without a try for Martin Johnson’s side.

Although the strains of Swing Low echoed around Twickenham at the end of a hard-fought clash with the All Blacks, there were still few signs of attacking flair on display.

Most pundits would agree that England have matched New Zealand, Argentina and Australia up front, but when the time comes to spread the ball wide, the HQ crowd have hardly felt a sudden urge to get to their feet in expectation.

Jonny Wilkinson has been as reliable as ever with the boot and is defensively strong, but does he still have the skill or speed to inject some much needed zest when England advance into the final third of the field?

Ladbrokes are certainly asking the same question as they go Evens for Wilkinson not to start England’s opening Six Nations game against Wales and he is 5/1 not to play any part in the whole tournament.

However, those who think Johnson will stand by his fellow 2003 World Cup winner can get 8/11 he is in the first XV at Twickers on February 6.

“Wilkinson failed to fire yet again and punters are fast losing faith,” said Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams. “England’s inability to score tries is worrying for fans and Wilkinson is getting the flak.”

Betting Press