No reliance on Wilkinson, says Dallaglio

Lawrence Dallaglio has denied England are over-reliant on Jonny Wilkinson but admits his return is crucial if the world champions are to be successful.

England have made a winning start to the RBS 6 Nations, beating Scotland and Italy on successive weekend, with Wilkinson's return at fly-half proving instrumental in both victories.

"There's nothing wrong with relying on Jonny Wilkinson. The England team that was successful was based around him as well," Dallaglio told Sportsweek on BBC Radio Five Live.

"But I don't think we are too reliant on Jonny. Clearly what needs to be mentioned is that he's such a good player that any team that has him would be that much better.

"He will always keep you in the game and can win games for you as well. It's great to have him back, not just for England but for the whole of rugby."

Dallaglio has been impressed by England's start to the Six Nations but will reserve true judgement of their progress until after the coming battles against Ireland and France.

"Played two, won two is the key statistic," he said.

"It's a very, very encouraging start to the Six Nations and certainly one we'd have taken over the last couple of years.

"But England played two, won two at the start of the last Six Nations and things went pretty bad after that.

"Everyone is pleased with the performances, especially against Scotland. The return of Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson and Phil Vickery means England have more leaders on the pitch now.

"The Ireland game will be a fantastic match and I think we'll have a better idea of how far they've come after that game.

"England are aware they'll have to play better if they're to win the Six Nations. France are looking like they're building through the championship as well."

Dallaglio, who has not given up hope of resurrecting his own international career, admits he has divided loyalties on the club-versus-country row that has resurfaced this week.

"As a former England player and a passionate Wasps player, I can see both sides," he said.

"Rob Andrew in his current job as director of rugby for England needs to do everything he can to ensure (head coach) Brian Ashton has got every possible chance of winning in Ireland.

"All they're trying to do is make sure as many of the starting 15 get a rest the week before the Ireland game.

"I don't think either Rob or Brian envisaged every single player or every club agreeing to the that but all they're trying to do is push for the best situation they can get.

"The decisions need to be based on the demands and needs of each individual player.

"I've always preferred to play the week before a big international, especially like one against Ireland at Croke Park.

"If anyone thought the Italy match would be tough and physical, then Ireland game will an amazing contest - highly charged, emotional and physical.

"But I'm at an age when I need to be playing every week. Other players might feel slightly differently about that."