By Matt Majendie

King believes he is good enough to be Wilkinson's understudy

Alex King has pledged to prove to Clive Woodward he is the ideal understudy to Jonny Wilkinson at the World Cup.

The Wasps fly-half has been named at number 10 for England's Cup warm-up game against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

And the leading points scorer in last season's Premiership campaign believes he can prove his tournament credentials in what will be his first start at international level.

He told the BBC Sport website: "Making the World Cup would be the absolute pinnacle - it would mean everything to me.

"And obviously Saturday gives me the chance to show Clive and everyone else in the England set-up I have what it takes.

"Of course the pressure's on but I know that if I crack under that now and fail to deliver at the Millennium Stadium I won't be worthy of a place in the final 30 for Australia."

King has been capped by England before, making four appearances from the bench from 1997 to 2001.

KING FACTFILE DOB: 17/1/75 Position: Fly-half Club: Wasps Tests: Four Test debut:7/6/97 v Argentina

But his opportunities have been severely hampered by the form of, and lack of injuries to, Wilkinson as well as Charlie Hodgson's meteoric rise in Woodward's estimations.

Hodgson has already been ruled out of the World Cup because of injury.

King, though, still has to fight off the challenge of both Paul Grayson and Dave Walder to act as Wilkinson's understudy.

He added: "All three of us guys have a good chance of staking a claim for an England place and we'll all get our chance in the three warm-up games."

After Saturday's Test against Wales, England play back-to-back matches against France, in which Woodward has promised to use all fringe players.

King said: "I'm absolutely delighted to get the first shot at it and to finally have a chance of starting after being around the squad for quite a few years.

He's controlling games and teams much more than he was six years ago Clive Woodward on Alex King

"There's been some healthy competition between all of us in training and that competitive edge has got to be good for us as well as the rest of the squad.

"Of course Jonny's first choice for the World Cup but I've got my eyes set on the other fly-half spot.

"I guess I have as good a chance as the others but I just have to take the opportunity when given it."

Among King's admirers is Woodward himself, who believes the Wasps number 10, who ended last season with 284 Premiership points, has grown in stature over the last 12 months.

The England boss said: "He's had a new lease of life and I've been delighted with him.

"He's controlling games and teams much more than he was six years ago [when first called up]. And his goal kicking is a major asset, particularly as we need back up to Jonny in that department."