Wilkinson: England are better without me

JONNY WILKINSON admits Grand Slam-chasing England have been a better side since he was dropped 12 months ago.

Wilkinson, England’s World Cup-winning fly-half, was axed for only the third time in his career after last year’s 15-15 bore draw with Scotland at Murrayfield.

England tackle the Scots again on Sunday with Toby Flood, Wilkinson’s former apprentice from their days at Newcastle, now firmly installed in the number 10 jersey.