Eden Park shoot-out could decide kicker

Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood will hold what could amount to a penalty shoot-out behind closed doors at Eden Park to decide who will kick for England in tomorrow’s quarter-final against France.

Wilkinson has missed 11 of his 20 shots at goal during the World Cup, the worst record in the tournament. Flood, by contrast, has landed 10 from 13, including some difficult touchline effort, but it would be a significant surprise if Wilkinson was to hand over the kicking responsibilities.

But Wilkinson insisted he would have no problem handing over the kicking duties if it was for the good of the team. “Toby and I will both be preparing as hard as we can and we’ll probably make that decision after we’ve been to the stadium,” said Wilkinson.

“It’s safe to say Toby has knocked some great kicks over already, he’s looking good and he’s in fine form. We’ll see how he’s preparing and I’m preparing.

“I’m always confident. I’m never afraid to take them. There have been two kicks in this tournament I wouldn’t mind taking back but the rest I’ve been happy with. It’s important that whatever decision we make is for the team.”

Johnson suggested captain Lewis Moody would have to rein Wilkinson in and stop him automatically taking penalty shots at goal. “That’s something we need to manage,” he said.