Jonny Wilkinson kicks his third conversion on his debut for EnglandPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianWilkinson in action against Scotland in March 1999 Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianMarch 1999. Wilkinson kicks a penalty during the 21-10 Five Nations victory over France at TwickenhamPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianWilkinson's first try for England came in the 1999 World Cup against ItalyPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianWilkinson was a whole-hearted player for England. Here he continues to drive forwardagainst South Africa in 2000, despite a head woundPhotograph: Stefan Rousseau/PAWilkinson toured Australia in 2001 with the Lions. Here he falls to his knees, after his team lost the third and deciding TestPhotograph: David Davies/PAWilkinson carries a rose given to him by a member of the crowd after England beat Ireland in the 2003 Six NationsPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianWilkinson in relaxed mood before England's departure for the 2003 World CupPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianThe 2003 World Cup was Wilkinson's defining tournament. Here he kicks a penalty in the quarter-final against Wales Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianFor some reason the good-looking millionaire World Cup winner and national hero was always popular with female fansPhotograph: Rick Rycroft/APThe moment of Wilkinson's career: he drop-kicks the winning points in the 2003 World Cup final against Australia ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian... the drop goal from another anglePhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesWilkinson takes the plaudits from fans after winning the World CupPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianWilkinson shares a moment with his captain, Martin Johnson, after the victoryPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianWilkinson is a shy figure off the field but had to deal with the attention the victory brought him. Here he leaves the team hotel after the finalPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianEngland were given a parade through London after the 2003 World CupPhotograph: David Davies/PAWilkinson toured with the Lions again in 2005, this time to New Zealand.Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesInjuries plagued Wilkinson's career and it was not until 2007 that he was a regular in the England team again. Here he scores against ScotlandPhotograph: Dylan Martinez/ReutersWilkinson kicked all of England's points against Australia in their World Cup quarter-final victory in 2007. In doing so he became the tournament's all-time leading scorerPhotograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesWilkinson walks out of the tunnel as England train ahead of the 2007 Rugby World Cup final v South Africa. England would lose a tight match the Springboks and Wilkinson missed two penaltiesPhotograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianA waxwork figure of Wilkinson was erected in Trafalgar Square, confirming his iconic statusPhotograph: Martin Godwin for the GuardianIt was with the boot that Wilkinson made the most impact – although he was a fierce tackler too – he ended his Test career with 1,246 points, the second-highest total of all timePhotograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesWilkinson's last tournament for England was to be the 2011 World Cup – Scotland players were still wary of his threatPhotograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPAWilkinson was understandably pensive after England lost their quarter-final to France, who had been in poor form. It was to be his last game for EnglandPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty Images