Wilkinson, who told BBC Sport Online last week that he harbours hopes of one day captaining his country, said Johnson remained one of the greatest players in the world.

And the England and Newcastle fly-half also warned those who have called for Johnson to retire that Clive Woodward's team would struggle without him.

"He's a formidable player and he's undoubtedly earned his reputation as one of the greatest players in the history of the game."

The Leicester captain, who became the first player to captain the British and Irish Lions on back-to-back tours last summer, saw his team slip to an embarrassing 26-13 defeat to Leeds on Saturday.

But Wilkinson, who has earned 35 caps for England, said both Leicester and Johnson would bounce back with typical ferocity.

"Having played with him for England and against him for Newcastle, I can tell you with complete confidence that he's one of the best there is," Wilkinson said.

"And an England squad without him would be a weaker team.

"As a player, he deserves every bit of his success and much, much more. I, for one, would be delighted to continue playing under him as my international captain.

"I think he makes the England squad enormously strong and the rest of the guys owe him a lot for his performances over the years."