Alred (L) and Wilkinson have worked together for many years

Wilkinson insists his training with Alred is not a snub to current England kicking coach Jon Callard.

"It works really well for me," Wilkinson told BBC Sport.

"I'm learning a huge amount with Jon and the England coaching staff and I've got other influences that come from my past. I'm combining the two."

Interview: England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson

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Alred joined the England coaching staff in 1995, helping Sir Clive Woodward's men lift the World Cup in 2003, and has been on three British and Irish Lions tours.

He played a key role in Wilkinson's development as a kicker, having worked with the 28-year-old since he was at school, but was dismissed in 2006 after a review into that year's disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Wilkinson added: "I feel like I'm developing and growing with England, it's exciting and I'm enthusiastic about every opportunity.

"But there are other influences that have worked for me and that I know to be my way forward and my kind of style.

"I'm committed to both because I'm committed to getting the very best out of myself.

"It works in terms of trying to get that balance of being around good people who are trying to push everything forward."

I've never taken my place for granted Jonny Wilkinson

Wilkinson will wear the England number 10 jersey this weekend for the Six Nations opener against Wales, despite the likes of Danny Cipriani and Charlie Hodgson putting his place under pressure.

Cipriani has publicly expressed his determination to claim a starting place but Wilkinson said: "I don't see it as competition, we are all pushing in the same direction, which is to push the England team forward.

"I've never taken my place for granted. It is great to be there right now and I want to enjoy it while I am here."