In his absence through injury this year, England lost five of their last six Tests, and urgently need to put the show back on the road when they face Canada, South Africa and Australia at Twickenham next month.

Throughout his 52-cap international career, Wilkinson has coped admirably with huge
weight of expectation, and those demands will be more evident than ever as he begins life as England skipper.

"The captaincy has always been an ambition of mine. I have never played for the captaincy, but now it has come around, it is great to have the opportunity," he said.

"There was never a doubt in my mind about my eventual decision. This is the place I want to be for as long as I can be, and I don't want to let go until I really have to."

England sorely missed his presence post-World Cup and Wilkinson revealed that the feeling was mutual while he spent eight long months recovering from a career-threatening neck and shoulder problem.

"My enthusiasm, desire and ambitions have grown,'' Wilkinson added.

"You realise when you are away from something you love doing just how much you really do miss it. Undoubtedly, the biggest thing I missed was being involved in the England squad, missing being there, the training sessions and the intensity.''

England completed a two-day training camp at their Surrey base on Tuesday, and caretaker coach Andy Robinson underlined his delight at Wilkinson's suitability for the skipper's job.

"I have been thinking through the captaincy since Lawrence (Dallaglio) retired from international rugby, and one name constantly stood out," Robinson said.

"I am looking for the toughest competitor, and he (Wilkinson) is the toughest competitor here. He has the utmost respect of the coaches and the players.

"The enthusiasm that Jonny brings to the squad has been missed. There will be tough times, but I know that he will be able to cope with those negatives."