Wilkinson lifts English spirits

JONNY WILKINSON clocked up 1,000 points for England as he guided the World Cup finalists through a hazardous Italian job and revived their RBS Six Nations campaign.

Fly-half superstar Wilkinson, slammed in several quarters for his poor performance during the Twickenham implosion against Wales last weekend, booted three penalties and converted early tries by wing Paul Sackey and centre Toby Flood.

However, England coach Brian Ashton believes his team were never under serious threat against Italy despite the narrow 23-19 win in Rome yesterday.