Jonny Wilkinson announced earlier this evening that he was calling time on his international career with England.
With that in mind, Sports Mole has taken time to review the career of one of England's all-time great players.
Having become a professional with Newcastle Falcons in 1997, Wilkinson soon captured the attention of England coach Clive Woodward.
A call-up to the Test squad for a match against Scotland arrived in March 1998, although Wilkinson remained on the bench throughout.
However, just one month later and aged 18, Wilkinson made his England debut as a replacement for Mike Catt against Ireland.
Wilkinson was then selected for England's 1998 Southern Hemisphere tour, and featured as Woodward's side was subjected to heavy defeats against New Zealand and Australia.
One year later a young Wilkinson made his World Cup entrance against Italy and marked the occasion by scoring a try, while converting another six and landing five penalties.
That tournament would end on a sour note for Wilkinson though, being dropped for the quarter-final as England were sent crashing out by the South Africans.
He returned from that disappointment to be an ever-present as England won the 2000 Five Nations.
More success followed in the upcoming Six Nations, under a new guise following the inclusion of Italy, and Wilkinson's kicking attributes were now fast becoming recognised across the globe.
He played his part as England defeated Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in preparation for the 2003 World Cup, a tournament that would be scene for his finest hour.
In the semi-final of the competition, Wilkinson kicked all of England's 24 points as they overcome the challenge of France to set-up a final meeting with hosts Australia.
With the scores locked at 17-17 and just 26 seconds of extra time remaining, Wilkinson produced a drop-kick that sailed between the posts to secure England the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Instead of being able to build upon his World Cup winning performance, he was now about to embark on a succession of years that would be marred by injuries.
During spells of respite, Wilkinson produced eye-catching performances in the 2007 Six Nations and World Cup, but was unable to maintain fitness for long enough to have a major impact.
A move to French club Toulon failed to change his luck with injuries, although he was selected by Martin Johnson for England's now infamous 2011 World Cup campaign.
He retires as England's leading points scorer with 1,151 points from 91 Test appearances.
Liam Apicella
