LONDON (Reuters) – While Martin Johnson dismissed criticism of Jonny Wilkinson on Tuesday the England flyhalf remained gloriously unconcerned by the outside world’s opinion of his talents.

Wilkinson retained the flyhalf spot in an unchanged England team to face Ireland at the weekend despite an unconvincing display in the victory over Italy when he missed three goal kicks.

Coach Johnson was never likely to drop his fellow World Cup-winner, though, and said he was bemused by the negative headlines.

“I find it a little bit strange and disappointing the amount of criticism that’s gone Jonny’s way and that people have jumped on the bandwagon,” Johnson told reporters.

“He’s a guy with 70-odd caps, enormously experienced. I don’t need to sit here and defend Jonny for what he has done.”

Wilkinson said he was dimly aware that his name had been in the press and that “the message was not enormously positive.”

Among the critics is Matt Dawson, his halfback partner during England’s glory days in the early 2000s, who said that Wilkinson, even in his pomp, rarely made a decision.

“If that was written for me it would be a waste of paper — it’s written for guys to give their opinion,” Wilkinson said.
“I’m a harsher critic than anyone else can be. The pressure I put myself under is more than enough. It doesn’t make for comfortable living all the time but that’s what drives me.

“If you took everything personally you would be a quivering wreck on the floor.”

For a moment it seemed that Wilkinson was about to confess to his failings when asked what he thought of his performance in the 17-12 Rome victory.

NO SATISFACTION

“As unsatisfied as I’ve ever been,” he said, before qualifying the comment by adding: “In terms of that every game I’ve ever played I’ve never been satisfied.

“I’m at the same level of dissatisfaction as I’ve been throughout my career.

“I will probably resign in however many years probably the most unsatisfied man in the world but I am happy to go that way because it keeps me driving.”

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