Superstar, national hero, Geoff Hurst revisited, kicking machine. Oh, and don't forget THAT drop goal.

Wilkinson has had greatness thrust upon him and reacted to it all with admirable modesty.

Still relatively young, his English points record is perhaps the biggest testament to his talent, and along with his meticulously-rehearsed kicking, he is also one of the best fly-halves in the game.

Brave and effective in defence, aware and agile in distribution, England's entire tactical approach under Sir Clive Woodward was built around his talent.

He may shy away from the mantle of rugby's David Beckham, but he will carry huge expectations every time he touches a ball from now on.

He will also be the target of the inevitable logic of opposing teams: stop Wilkinson, and you stop his team.

Fears over his fitness refuse to go away - Wilkinson has not played for England since the World Cup after shoulder, neck, bicep and knee injuries - and was only added to the original 44-man Lions squad once he proved he was 100% fit.

Even now he may not be the first-choice fly-half but his experience of touring Australia in 2001 with the Lions will be vital in helping the other No 10s along.