When Jonny kicked the goal I jumped up and cracked my head on the ceiling Your memories of the day

"You would think it would be one of those 'yesterday' moments but my memory of the final is actually becoming more and more distant," he told the BBC.

"People ask me what I was thinking but I actually find it hard to picture it.

"Whereas Martin Johnson can take that memory of his last game with him I can't do that. I am only 25. Hopefully I have another eight to 10 years yet."

Wilkinson has not played for England since the World Cup final after a year in which a shoulder injury threatened his entire career.

He returned to rugby in September only to suffer a further arm injury last month, ruling him out of England's autumn Tests, but is optimistic of returning in the near future.

"I had a really positive scan that showed things have really improved," he said.

"Now I will be able to work the arm again and build it up ready for my comeback. It could be next week or the week after, but I am attacking each week now with justified positivity."

A great way to end the year would be getting back on the field Jonny Wilkinson

Wilkinson admits he struggled initially to deal with all the interest from the public and media following the "huge excitement and buzz" of the World Cup celebrations.

"It was a bit surprising and the impact was unknown to me so I wasn't sure what was going on and didn't know how to react.

"But thankfully with being injured I had time to stay away a bit and get used to it.

"Now I feel I have got back into the rugby and fortunately people talk to me about rugby again and are not really interested in the rest of my life.

What happened to the heroes?

"I am glad for that time and my life is back to that normal status that people said it would be."

Despite the down-turn in England's results following their World Cup win, Wilkinson believes the side is now ideally positioned to build for the next tournament in 2007 under new coach Andy Robinson.

"Andy has enormous respect from the players because of his own playing past and there is a great relationship forming there," he added.

"He speaks openly and honestly and everyone knows what is expected of them.

"The squad has a ruthlessness about it, and an 'if you are not with us, you are against us' mentality.

"You are either in or out, and that is the way it has to be until the next World Cup."