Jonny can't do it on his own
Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:47
Man Alone? England No.10 Jonny Wilkinson
Jonny Wilkinson's World Cup-winning teammate Ben Cohen says that the flyhalf has not changed much as a player since he inspired England to the 2003 triumph, but that he is 'lacking the people around him' to be as much of a force seven years on.
Wilkinson has copped the majority of the criticism for England’s lacklustre showing in this year's Six Nations, with his general play and uncharacteristically poor goalkicking coming under attack in the media.
Former England wing Ben Cohen though, says that the No.10 is the still the same player that struck the iconic drop goal which sealed the last gasp World Cup final win in
'03.
"Jonny is a fantastic player and a fantastic guy, but he hasn't really changed that much in his game from when we played for England early on and when we were involved in winning the World Cup," Cohen told Sporting LIfe.
"I'm not saying he is a bad player, but he hasn't changed. People are saying he is a bad player now - okay, he could play a bit flatter to the line, but he is still a great player who puts in a lot of hard work off the pitch and plays to 100%."
Cohen says that too much emphasis has been placed on Wilkinson's individual performance - good or bad - in the past and insists people are too quick to single out the playmaker whether England win or lose.
"It's just how people see things now and it just makes me laugh that everyone can attack one person."
"England aren't the team they were," said Cohen.
"You had the likes of [Lawrence] Dallaglio, Matt Dawson, Will Greenwood - they are people in the side who were fantastic at making decisions and were leaders.
"It made Jonny's life a hell of a lot easier, especially with Dawson inside him and Greenwood outside him. It made my life a lot easier."
A lack of leaders in the side is the main problem facing England, according to Cohen, but he still maintains hope that England can lift the Six Nations title.
"England have won two and lost one, and whether it's winning ugly or winning pretty, it's ultimately about winning," said the 31-year-old.
"I don't think they have been awesome but they have been winning games and that's what matters - it's something to build on.
"You've got to give credit to Ireland, they came over and stuck at it until the end. England nudged ahead and then with the last play, the last roll of the dice, Tommy Bowe steps up and scores a great try.
"If they had won that game it would have been a hell of a difference - you're not playing that great, but you're on for the Grand Slam.
"Have they got the ability and players [to win the Six Nations]? Yes. But can they do it? I don't know."
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