Wilkinson backs Strettle

Strettle began receiving widespread recognition when he became the first player ever to score five tries in one half of a Sevens match on his debut against Papua New Guinea in Wellington.

The 23-year-old - who was called up to the national squad after Jason Robinson suffered a neck injury in training - was England's only try scorer in a dismal performance as the team suffered a record 43-13 defeat at Croke Park.

"It's great he has kicked of his England career," Wilkinson said.

"I am sure he will have a long and successful one after a great debut. He has been lighting up the Guinness Premiership with the way he has been playing. He is a massive threat.

"He came under a lot of pressure with just two days to prepare for on of the biggest occasions that he will face and he did very well."

Despite this Strettle could find himself dropped from the team as Robinson is expected to be fit enough to face France on March 11th.

"I'm just taking things as they happen at the moment," Strettle said.

"I've come a long way in a short space of time. It was a dream come true to play for England and I enjoyed it but we'll just wait and see what happens from now on."