Wilkinson (left) feels the critics have been unfair on England

Charlie Hodgson and Olly Barkley missed six penalties between them as France ran out 17-18 victors.

But Wilkinson told the Times: "Charlie Hodgson had six place-kicks at goal and hit five perfectly. Three of his six goalkicks went over, three did not.

"A blustery day affected the flight of the ball. That's true for Olly too."

Wilkinson's absence through injury became more apparent when Hodgson sent a late, point-blank, drop-goal attempt wide at Twickenham on Sunday.

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But the Newcastle Falcons fly-half said: "The reaction he (Hodgson) has had to face, while predictable, has been blown out of all proportion.

"It's easy enough to say France kicked six goals while England missed six, but it's far more than just goal-kicking that wins or loses games.

As far as I am concerned, Charlie is absolutely the man still to do the goal-kicking for England Dave Alred, England kicking coach

"As for Olly, he felt that the longer kicks he attempted in the second half were within his range and Jason Robinson, as captain, felt quite rightly that it was important to try to secure another three points to consolidate the lead and increase the number of scores required by France."

England kicking coach Dave Alred has also made clear his support for the under-fire pair.

Alred told the Daily Express: "As far as I am concerned, Charlie is absolutely the man still to do the goal-kicking for England. No doubt about it.

Surely someone is going to have to accept that some first class players in every sport simply choke at international level From A Have your say on Scrum V

"Charlie is tough enough to overcome this. Most goal-kickers have had at some time in their life what you and I would describe as absolute nightmares and they have to come through it.

"I don't expect any different from Charlie and Olly."