England legend Jonny Wilkinson has delivered his verdict on England’s three fly-halves in contention for the number 10 shirt during the 2024 Six Nations.
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Wilkinson is a retired English rugby legend renowned for his precision, resilience, and unrivaled kicking prowess.
The former fly-half played a pivotal role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, earning global acclaim. Post-retirement, Wilkinson has excelled as a coach and motivational speaker.
Appearing as part of ITV’s coverage, Wilkinson spoke openly about his opinions on the trio of talented playmakers.
Jonny Wilkinson verdict on England fly-halves
#1. George Ford
He became the youngest player to make his professional debut in England at 16 years and 237 and was crowned the World Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2011.
Ford was included in the England Senior Elite Player Squad for the first time in January 2014 and his first Test appearance came off the bench for Owen Farrell in the final minutes of England’s 29-18 victory over Wales at Twickenham in March 2014. He was part of the England squads that won the 2016 and 2017 Six Nations and started in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final at fly half.
Another World Cup selection in 2023 saw Ford feature in the squad that reached the semi-final of the tournament. He was recently named in Steve Borthwick’s squad ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024.
Wilkinson said: “Ford still has so much to offer. He has this depth and subtle understanding of the game that we’ve not seen him express that for a while because the team hasn’t been firing. The Rugby World Cup was an interesting journey for him. He showed immense courage and some skills we haven’t seen from him for a while.
“For him there is still so much to go. I think he needs to lead that fly-half spot now.”