Wilkinson place in danger after England loss against Scotland

England's dire Six Nations performance against Scotland makes it all the more remarkable that they reached the World Cup final five months ago and have beaten France in their last two meetings in Paris.

Such was the paucity of England ideas in Saturday's 15-9 defeat at Murrayfield on Saturday that critics were calling for the head of flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, whose drop goal won the World Cup in Australia in 2003.

Wilkinson, on the day he set an international points record by taking his tally to 1,099, had his worst game for England, poor in decision making and kicking out of hand. His only redeeming factor was his always reliable place kicking.

The clamour for a quick reinstatement of Danny Cipriani must be ringing in Brian Ashton's ears although the England coach told reporters he had no regrets about dropping the 20-year-old for "inappropriate behaviour".

Media slating

Cipriani had been selected at full-back to make his first start for England but was dropped after he was photographed leaving a night club during the week.

It is possible that Ashton feared a slating by the British media if he did not punish the youngster in some way for flouting team rules.

Instead, Ashton has been criticised for an over-reaction that left England bereft of the sort of talent who could have given them the spark for a victory at Murrayfield which would have kept them in the title hunt.

Ashton's England have performed like a yoyo in the tournament, turning victory into defeat against Wales in their opening match, yet beating France in Paris two weeks ago to repeat their shock semi-final win in the World Cup.