Wilko says Hodgson/Barkley criticism unfair

JONNY WILKINSON has defended his England team-mates after an inability to convert their goal-kicking chances was instrumental as the team slumped to defeat against France.

Charlie Hodgson and Olly Barkley missed six penalties between them in contrast to Dimitri Yachvili, who kicked six penalties from seven as France wiped out a 17-6 interval deficit.

However, Wilkinson defended the pair saying the criticism levelled at them was unwarranted.

Wilkinson said: “Sitting where I was, Charlie Hodgson had six place-kicks at goal and hit five of them perfectly, so the reaction he has had to face, has been blown out of all proportion.

“It’s easy to say France kicked six goals while England missed six, but it’s far more than just kicking that wins or loses games.

“What is true for Charlie is true for Olly Barkley, too.

“He felt that the longer kicks he attempted were within his range and Jason Robinson felt quite rightly that it was important to try to secure another three points to increase the number of scores required by France.”