England 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 Simon Shaw, James Haskell and Tom Rees for the captaincy.

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 ace, who is the leading points scorer in Test rugby, admits he still harbours ambitions regarding the captaincy.

“That is a team you would look at and say immediately it would be an honour for anyone to lead,” he said.

"England rugby has always been 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 although not as many times as others but I have always really enjoyed the job.

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