Wilkinson (left) has been replaced by Cipriani (right)

Danny Cipriani replaces Wilkinson at fly-half but the World Cup-winner insists he can recapture his place.

"The fire is still there," said the 28-year-old. "I'll never stop going out every day and trying to get better as long as my body's in one piece.

"Mike Catt played some of his best rugby after 30 because the shackles were off. I'd like to think I can too."

Feature: Wilkinson's troubled Six Nations

Interview: New England fly-half Danny Cipriani

Interview: England coach Brian Ashton

The Newcastle stand-off is the only casualty from the starting side mauled 15-9 by Scotland at Murrayfield.

Although his place has gone to a man eight years his junior, Wilkinson insists his own belief will not waver even if he never considered his own place as sacrosanct.

I realise it is a hard task to take over from a legend Danny Cipriani

"I'd never walk around thinking I'm going to get dropped or I'm not good enough, because I don't believe either.

"I'd also never be arrogant enough to think I'd always be picked either."

Wilkinson revealed his admiration for Cipriani, calling him "a great player with a fabulous future ahead of him - I respect him."

The Wasps youngster will make his first start for England in Saturday's game at Twickenham a week later than intended.

Originally picked at full-back by coach Brian Ashton for the game in Edinburgh, he was then dropped in very public fashion after being photographed leaving a nightclub past midnight.

Cipriani told BBC Radio 5 Live the incident was a lesson learnt, and part of his growing-up process.

606: DEBATE Has Brian Ashton done the right thing?

"Some people feel his (Ashton's) decision was harsh but he did exactly what he said he was going to do, and that was to ban me for one match, said Cipriani.

"I'm definitely going to learn from the situation.

"It may have looked harsh, but I feel I'm going to come out a lot stronger from it and it will serve me a lot of benefit for the future."

Cipriani admits he has big boots to fill in Wilkinson's, but is undaunted by the task.

"It was always a dream of mine to play for England, and playing fly-half I realise it is a hard task to take over from a legend," he said.

"I'm sure Jonny will give me as much support as I gave him when I was on the bench.

"'l'll talk to him about things to make sure things are sweet - everyone knows as a player and a person you can't replace Jonny, so I will just be myself this week.

"At the minute I'm really excited. Perhaps that will turn into nerves but I didn't stop talking all training session because I have to try and boss the game and be the general. I feel I won't have any time to get nervous."