Jonny talks the England number 10 shirt and European club rugby

According to Jonny: Freddie Burns and George Ford need international action now to handle the "quantum leap" of a World Cup campaign. England's World Cup preparations would take a hit if there was no top-level European club competition next season.

England no.10:

World Cup-winner Wilkinson believes England have plenty of fly-half depth behind Owen Farrell, but admits experience is another matter entirely.

The 34-year-old has urged head coach Stuart Lancaster to blood playmakers Burns and Ford as soon as possible, to bolster England's impending bid for world cup glory on home soil.

Backing England for a fruitful campaign in 2015, Wilkinson said Lancaster's squad boasts far stronger foundations than in 2011.

"There is definitely back-up, but with experience, it is difficult," said Wilkinson of England's fly-half stocks.

"It is that old argument that you can't play because you are not experienced enough. How do you ever play then without giving someone their first shot?

"Building up to the 2003, we had guys like myself, Paul Grayson and Mike Catt there.

"It was nice to know we had a balance of guys who knew what was what.

"To be honest, no amount of experience will prepare you for that unknown intensity and that quantum leap that a World Cup throws into the balance."

England's disastrous 2011 World Cup campaign in New Zealand was beset by troubles off the field and a lack of direction on it.

Wilkinson believes England under Lancaster exude far greater direction and stability than Martin Johnson's crop in 2011.

He said: "In the years leading up to 2011, with experimentation came sways in game-plan and understanding, because the team was somehow having to fit round the player as much as the player was fitting into the team.

"That's not what I see now.

"I see a real connection between the players.

"I had the chance to speak to some of the coaches after the France game.

"I saw some of the players too though I didn't speak to them too directly, I saw them and just enjoyed the obvious unity there.

"You would have to say all that bleeds from the top.

"Stuart Lancaster has got to live his own beliefs, his own values and code of conduct, but you've also got to chose the right people and make them work for you.

"It's about building connections between players, the best teams have that and I think you're starting to see that."

Wilkinson faced Gloucester's Leicester-bound Freddie Burns in pre-season action when Toulon overwhelmed the Cherry and Whites at Stade Felix Mayol.

The former Newcastle Falcon took the time to hand Gloucester's attacking talent some advice, and believes the 23-year-old is capable of making the international grade.

Backing Bath's outside-half Ford to shine given chances too, Wilkinson said: "I'm more than confident England have the depth.

"I've seen quite a bit of both; I've not played against George but I have played against Freddie.

"There are young guys who understand the game who don't say they can't do certain things.

"They are saying, 'I want to play international rugby, which means I've got to make it work'.

"These guys are saying 'right, if you want me to do that, no problem, if you want me to do something else, I can do that too'.

"In the past people might have been hesitant to put their necks on the block, these guys are young, but they are up there saying, 'this is what I do'."

After launching the 2015 World Cup volunteer programme on Wednesday, Wilkinson also hinted at signing a new playing contract with Toulon.

Welcoming big-money recruits Leigh Halfpenny and James O'Connor to Toulon for next term, Wilkinson said he is relishing an unofficial coaching element to his role at the club.

"I have known for a long time that my role is developing into one where I spent most of my time during the week working with other guys," he added.

"I am still trying to get better day and night, but I like the fact those guys are coming and going to experience what I have been experiencing."

European Rugby:

England's World Cup preparations would take a hit if there was no top-level European club competition next season, according to Jonny Wilkinson.

World Cup-winner Wilkinson has called on European rugby's authorities to find a solution to the continued Heineken Cup impasse, and fast.

The Toulon fly-half believes first-class European club rugby plays a vital part in the England team's development.

"It's a great competition and it brings so much to the game, and it would be a sad day indeed if there ceased to be European competition," Wilkinson told Press Association Sport.

"Everyone's aware of that as they watch it on TV and see teams from across borders get stuck into high-level rugby.

"I'm sure everyone's intent on finding a solution.

"I think it's very important for England."

Representatives from the clubs and unions of all six main European nations were meeting in Paris on Saturday, as talks rumble on aimed at a solution to the long-term wrangling.

Slow progress is being made on setting up a pan-European club competition to be run by the Six Nations committee.

But the ever-present stumbling block of TV rights will again rear its head, with England's Aviva Premiership clubs sticking to their agreement with BT Sport that rivals Sky's existing claims.

Any progress in France must be tempered, of course, by the continued uncertainty surrounding the Heineken Cup, and organisers European Rugby Cup (ERC).

English clubs' governing body Premiership Rugby (PRL) has long since refused to accept a European competition ruled by ERC for next season.

ERC continue to hold board meetings, and, at the latest, refused to release overdue tournament appearance payments to the clubs, fearing liabilities should they be wound up at the end of the season.

Shelving the politics to focus on the positive impact of European club competition, Wilkinson said the Heineken Cup helps top stars touch "world-class" level.

"I don't think you can talk about different levels between leagues and the Heineken Cup, because all the games are high level," he said.

"But European games are certainly different challenges to prepare for: that ability to prepare for a huge contest, to construct a game-plan, to get yourself ready for big games against teams you're not used to facing, staying in games under pressure, that's all part of being a professional at the highest level, and all part of learning to be world class.

"And learning what needs to be done to perform at the highest levels you can, and you can't afford to lose that.

"Also it brings new atmospheres, new energies around stadiums that you don't always get.

"It creates a different buzz, it's unique, and we need it; it does huge amounts of positive things for rugby in all countries."

©PA