Stuart Lancaster pays tribute to Jonny Wilkinson

England's interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has paid tribute to Jonny Wilkinson, who announced his retirement from international rugby earlier this evening.

Fly-half Wilkinson's England career will be largely remembered for scoring the winning points during the 2003 World Cup final, but Lancaster has insisted that the 32-year-old made such a big contribution to the national side.

"Jonny has had a fantastic international career which ranks as one of England's greatest ever players," said Lancaster. "He will of course be remembered for that drop goal but he is more than that, a model sportsman – down to earth and hard working, who has never stopped trying to be the best that he can.

"Everyone who has played with, coached and watched Jonny play should feel privileged to have had an involvement with him. Not only has he been a world class player but he has inspired thousands to play and watch the game of rugby.

"He will continue to do great things with Toulon and I would like to go and see him in France to learn from his vast knowledge and experience of 13 years at the very top of the international game."

Wilkinson made 91 Test appearances for England.