Former England winger Rory Underwood believes that Jonny Wilkinson is the best fly-half to ever represent his country.

Wilkinson, 32, announced his retirement from international rugby earlier this afternoon.

"I think he was the best fly-half England ever had. He was certainly the best kicker we've ever had," Underwood told BBC Sport.

"Some would argue his distribution play was not as good as it could have been but he was still very good at that and he played in an exceptionally good side that won the World Cup.

"Everyone remembers his metronomic kicking, his exceptional percentage strike rate and the image that everyone will always have of him is that right-footed drop kick to win the World Cup."

Underwood and Wilkinson made almost 200 combined appearances for England.