Former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson believes England are building firm foundations with a Rugby World Cup on home soil less than 18 months away.
Envious
Despite having a World Cup winner's medal in his locker, Wilkinson admits there is an element of jealousy, having never had the opportunity to play on the biggest stage in front of a home crowd.
"There is no doubt I am envious of the guys, but envious because I never had the chance in my career, not because I'm desperate to do it now," he admitted.
"My time has finished for that, I'm very well aware of that and in a way I'm excited for them to go and do it.
"It's disappointing not to be a part of it, but not because I have the desire still, I know my time has come and I'm really looking forward to seeing the guys attack it."
Wilkinson already boasts a healthy trophy cabinet but he still wants to win the Top 14 with Toulon, to add to their Heineken Cup triumph last year and the 34-year-old also hopes to remain in the game once his playing career comes to an end.
"I'm very much enjoying playing," he said. "Ideally, we're trying to win the Top 14 in France, we've been in two finals in recent years but both escaped.
"Thankfully, the Heineken Cup went our way but really, I'm just trying to get better. If I didn't feel that was a possibility then there would be no more rugby.
"After that, it's the big leap into the unknown like everybody makes, it will take time for me to get used to life without a game to prepare for but it's something I'll get used to I'm sure.
"Maybe, staying in the game and looking to help other people get to their best, through coaching and trying to help in that respect."
