Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood have exchanged roles in recent seasons © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Toby Flood | Brian Smith | Jonny Wilkinson

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England

Jonny Wilkinson may now play second fiddle to Toby Flood as England's go-to fly-half but attack coach Brian Smith insists the "Wilkinson effect" still unnerves the opposition.

Flood will continue at first receiver for their crucial Six Nations showdown with France at Twickenham but Wilkinson will be poised to guide his side home if required. Smith claims Wilkinson's aura remains a key weapon in England's arsenal and that he must be used carefully.

"You heard the roar of the crowd when Toby came off against Italy," he said. "You weren't sure whether they were cheering Toby off or Jonny coming on. Even down in Wales there's a Wilkinson effect, there's no doubt about it.

"The challenge for us as coaches is to make sure we play that card at the right time. It's always a factor. We're pretty proactive about getting Jonny into the game. It just so happens Toby got a shot and deserves to keep the shirt but we still think Jonny has a lot to offer on the pitch.

"The thing about Jonny is that he's constantly striving to improve. He's aware of the criticism he has had about the way he plays and he's working hard to be the complete player and master of his position. Both players have their differences, but that's an advantage for us."

Wilkinson admits it has taken time to adjust to his new position as a supporting player. Flood has been first choice since last year's Championship finale in Paris and has overseen a gradual improvement following two big wins over Australia and an unbeaten start to this year's campaign.

"Naturally without ever wanting to or expecting to, you get used to the way things work," Wilkinson said. "It's a sub-conscious thing. Even walking around the hotel and walking to the game on match day you start to realise things are a little bit different.

"You spend most of the game knowing you may be coming in a position where you've got to get a grip on what's going on very quickly. You have to know what the team needs while getting your legs going and getting involved in the game.

"Your first touch of the ball could be a kick, pass, a call to win the game, a goal kick, drop goal effort - any of these things. That first touch could be crucial. For me the most challenging aspect has been changing the perspective at the age of 31.

"The last time I was in this position was at the start of my career. I've taken great inspiration from guys like Mike Catt and Paul Grayson. I remember being in the team when these guys weren't and the way they helped me. That's what I'm trying to do now."

Flood has emerged as a crucial cog in the exciting style adopted by England and Wilkinson is unsurprised by his progress.

"I've been around with Toby for years. Newcastle had a community schools program which meant players were allotted a school to coach for a few weeks. His school was mine," he said.

"When I was about 24 I was coaching him when he was at school. You could tell then he was a very talented player. Not long after that he arrived at Newcastle and then we were in the same team, talking tactics.

"I was injured and he was 10 playing very well. We were at the 2007 World Cup together. Throughout that time he's been growing and growing. It's important that progression continues because it will stand England in good stead."

Meanwhile, England have released 10 players back to their clubs, enabling them to play in the weekend's Aviva Premiership fixtures. Nick Abendanon, George Chuter, Paul Doran-Jones, Phil Dowson, Riki Flutey, Charlie Hodgson, Tim Payne, Chris Robshaw, Joe Simpson and David Strettle have departed the camp.