Wilkinson eased ahead of Neil Jenkins’ points-scoring record of 1,090 when he landed a first-half penalty in a match played in swirling wind and rain.

And while he kicked two more to take the record to 1,099, he had to watch Scotland fly-half Chris Paterson land four penalties and Dan Parks one long-ranger to give Scotland a deserved victory.

Wilkinson said of his record-breaking antics: “I don’t think it counts for much. It’s not what you are in the game for.

“It’s been a tough day for the guys. Scotland play those conditions very well. They have great defence and attack the ball well. We’ve seen it before and you feel a bit helpless out there sometimes.

“We gave away too many penalties. Scotland had a good grip on us today.”

Wilkinson failed to make his usual impact in the playmaking role and he was replaced after 69 minutes by Charlie Hodgson, but he insisted the England players had not let themselves down.

Wilkinson said: “Everyone went out there and was aggressive and full of effort but it didn’t flow. You can sure as hell say guys didn’t let themselves down.

“Errors were made and they feel a bit schoolboyish because points were put on us quickly by world-class kickers in their team. Three points out there today was very hard to find.”