The Newcastle fly-half has not played for England since the extra-time victory over Australia in Sydney and has featured only intermittently for the Falcons thanks to a series of injuries.

I would have given anything to have played consistently over the past two-and-a-half years, Wilkinson told Rugby World magazine.

There have been times when its been painful. Ive been incredibly depressed, demoralised, even bitter.

But he added: I dont blame people for writing me off. I can see their point of view. But if people are saying Im finished, Im going to prove them wrong.

Mind you, I do agree with them when they argue that, even if I do come back, Ill never be the same player again, Ill be a much better one.''