Jonny Wilkinson may well have been kicked into the international wilderness after being dropped by England for only the third time in his 12 years.

Wilkinson has been the golden boy of English rugby ever since booting them to victory in the 2003 World Cup final.

But a lengthy list of injuries has taken its toll over the years as Wilkinson has struggled to rediscover his form of old.

And he has paid the price as England’s playmaker following a stuttering Six Nations for Martin Johnson’s side.

Wilkinson has been cast aside for the clash with France in Paris on Saturday night as England look to restore some much-needed pride.

Toby Flood will replace him at No.10, after making an impact when coming on as a replacement against Scotland last week.

And just like David Beckham, who has been forced out of the World Cup, the ‘Goldenballs’ of rugby could be on his way out.

Some may say it is a move long overdue, but it is still a relatively bold one by England boss Johnson, who has revamped his back line, which also features fullback Ben Foden, debutant winger Chris Ashton and Mike Tindall - a move which could suggest Johnson is starting his planning for next year’s World Cup this weekend.

But Johnson side-stepped any questions of form by using the heavy treatment dished out to Wilkinson against Scotland as the main reason behind his decision.

“Jonny took a number of bangs and heavy blows,” Jonno said. “We need at least two players in every position and we would have been happy to pick Toby in every game so far.”

England XV: B Foden; M Cueto, M Tindall, R Flutey, C Ashton; T Flood, D Care; T Payne, D Hartley, D Cole, S Shaw, S Borthwick (capt), J Worsley, L Moody, N Easter.