England's record point scorer Jonny Wilkinson said today that it is a great honour to be made captain of his country for the first time ahead of Sunday's Six Nations clash with Italy.
The 23-year-old outhalf replaced Martin Johnson as captain after the two-time Lions captain was ruled out because of an Achilles tendon injury and the Newcastle player will lead a side showing six changes from the one that saw off Wales 26-9 10 days ago.
Wilkinson confirmed that he would not be doing anything differently on Sunday as England look to keep on course for their first Grand Slam since 1995 and the first under manager Clive Woodward.
"It's a very special moment," the 40-times capped outhalf told BBC Online. "It was not something I ever expected, but I'm ecstatic that Clive has given me this opportunity. It's a great honour.
"Of course, the responsibility is huge, but I don't intend to try and do anything different.
"I'll be preparing for the game as I normally do with Newcastle," added Wilkinson, who has scored 36 of his side's 51 points so far in the Six Nations tournament.
Wilkinson, who will have the experience of former captains, number eight Lawrence Dallaglio and scrum-half Matt Dawson alongside him, said there was no question of England easing up against the Italians, whose victory over Wales in the opening match was followed by a record defeat by Ireland.
The 23-year-old, already England's record international points scorer, becomes the eighth different captain used during Woodward's five-and-a-half-year coaching reign.