Jonny Wilkinson said on Tuesday he was on a "journey to improve" alongside Toby Flood after apparently beating him to become England's first-choice flyhalf for the World Cup.

The 32-year-old veteran, now entering his fourth World Cup as the tournament's record points-scorer, praised his rival and said Flood would be England's go-to player in future events.

"I hope I can speak for him on this and I think I can. Both of us are on a journey to improve and help each other out," Wilkinson said, ahead of England's opening game against Argentina on Saturday.

"I'm bringing my experience, Floody's bringing his youth and flair and also his experience because he has got a large number of caps already.

"And he will be leading England through big tournaments in the future and having a big influence."

Wilkinson, the drop-goal hero of England's 2003 World Cup final win against Australia in Sydney, has spent much of the past 18 months as a Test player on the bench, backing up Flood.

But he received the nod for England's last warm-up - a 20-9 win over Ireland - in which coach Martin Johnson had pledged to field his strongest team.

Wilkinson said he did not feel any benefit from going into the tournament slightly under the radar compared to previous World Cups, when he was felt the full glare of the media spotlight.

"To be honest I've never really concentrated too much on those things anyway," Wilkinson said.

"I guess the expectation I put on myself, I always feel a bit under the cosh, that I have work to do and something to prove. I'm kind of living in my own little world."

But Wilkinson also warned of Argentina's "ruthless streak" as the former champions bid to avoid an upset in their first match.

"I could go on all day," he said, when asked to list the Pumas' strengths.

"You have to be aware of the fact that technically they are incredibly shrewd, they are able to come up with plans but they can adapt as well. They have players who can lead and they have a ruthless streak."

AFP