Wilkinson still has an England role to play says Johnson

Wilkinson was replaced at fly-half by Toby Flood after England's drab 15-15 draw with Scotland, heightening speculation that the world's leading points-scorer is on the wane.

The 30-year-old himself admitted on Friday that he has lost his natural rugby instincts and would never want to be selected for England on his reputation alone.

Launch the Yorkshire Post's Rugby Union video player

Wilkinson came off the bench in Paris on Saturday after 61 minutes and impressed Johnson with his control and the remarkable touchline penalty from 45 metres out which brought England to within two points. Johnson knew there was no better player in the world to bring into the closing stages of a tight game at the Stade de France. But after he had landed the penalty, England could not construct the platform from which Wilkinson could attempt a match-winning drop-goal.

"I read some stuff about Jonny this week – and then you see him land a touchline penalty kick like that. It makes you smile," said Johnson. "You make these calls based on what you think might happen. Having Jonny on the field in the last 20 minutes, pretty fresh, is what we wanted."

Johnson was in a spiky mood after the match and he took the opportunity to single out the work done by attack coach Brian Smith in spotting a chink in France's defensive armoury that England exploited for the opening try.

England's attacking game had been virtually non-existent for much of the championship – but it was sparked into life Saturday by the performances of Ben Foden, Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton in a new-look back three. It was Ashton's quick hands which allowed England to get outside the French defence and Foden raced over for the try.

"The coaches take a lot of criticism but it was a great analysis and a great call to go for the outside with the way that Mathieu Bastareaud defends," said Johnson. "Ultimately it was great work from the players to execute it but Smithy said Bastareaud will come out (of the line) and if you get a chance just trust your hands. It was a pity it started to rain actually because we had done that a few times."

France were able to use a change in conditions to assume control on the back of a dominant scrum which allowed Morgan Parra to slot three penalties and put Les Bleus 12-7 up at the break.

England were the better side in the second half but the French defence limited them to Wilkinson's long-range penalty.