Flood is now firmly established as first-choice under Johnson since Wilkinson was dropped for the 2010 RBS 6 Nations match against France.

Since then England’s fortunes have been transformed and, with three wins from three so far in the 2011 Championship, Wilkinson now accepts he is playing second fiddle to his one-time Newcastle protégé.

He said: “You can want all the things in the world but there is no fun in it, no enjoyment if you don't deserve it or earn it.

“I believe hugely in fighting for what you want to achieve but there are also times when that fighting becomes almost stupid unless you take some time to listen to the signs around you.

"At that time I was starting to go in a direction I didn't want to go and one I wasn't enjoying. The signs around me were telling me I needed a break from what I was doing.

"I appreciate the opportunity and I would never turn it down - but I was always questioning 'have I earned this?' It was unfair for me to play the whole of that Six Nations without Floody, the way he was going, at least finishing it off and showing what he can do. He did that and now he is where he is."

"The best evidence you can have (that it was the right decision) is looking at it results-wise and flow-wise.

“The relationship Floody has created and managed to put in place with the other guys - the way they work together and the way they link - wasn't quite there when I was playing."

Flood seems set to start against Scotland after his Achilles problem, picked up against France, proved to be better than first feared.

Johnson has received further good news with the progress of Tom Croft and Courtney Lawes after long-term injuries and the England team manager revealed both players – key cogs of his side before the Six Nations – will be in the frame for selection.

“Tom and Courtney were in the original pick and have come back in,” said Johnson.

“It’s good to see where they are. Tom has had three games and Courtney two and both are getting somewhere near. If they are here, they are in the mix."