But with Wilkinson back to full fitness and having delivered a 100per cent kicking performance against London Irish in the Heineken Cup, Flood accepts he will need to keep firing on all cylinders.

“It is not for me to talk about who is England’s first choice fly-half – it is very much one for the coaches and the management,” said Flood who was promoted ahead of Wilkinson for the 2010 RBS 6 Nations match against France.

“I enjoyed the autumn, I enjoyed every minute and I want to play for my country in every game but to do that I have to be playing well for my club as well.

“I thought we played well in the autumn and we played an attractive game and it was good to be part of that, but it won’t be for me to say who plays in the next England game.

“It was great to be playing rugby with belief and with a bit of style as well but I think it will take time as well.

“I think one swallow doesn’t make a summer and there was nobody in the England set-up jumping on the bandwagon and talking up what we did.

“The important thing is to play well when the pressure comes on you, that is the important thing you need to do to be successful at international rugby.”