England star Jonny Wilkinson responded to growing criticism of his game by saying no-one put him under more pressure than he did himself.
The fly-half's ability to make good on-field decisions was called into question by World Cup-winning half-back partner Matt Dawson in the run-up to last weekend's Six Nations match against Italy.
And it intensified after England's lacklustre 17-12 win in Rome when even Wilkinson's goalkicking, long viewed as one of the world record points scorer's strongest suits, let him down to the extent he missed three of his six shots at the posts.
"Everything traces back to the number 10 because the call stops there," Wilkinson told reporters at England's training base on Tuesday.
"It doesn't make for comfortable living all the time but the pressure I put myself under is more than enough, believe me."
After the Italy match, and not for the first time, Wilkinson found himself accused of stifling England's back play and of being a poor tactical kicker.
Nevertheless England manager Martin Johnson stood by Wilkinson here on Tuesday as he named an unchanged side for Saturday's match against defending champions Ireland at Twickenham.
And having received another vote of confidence from his former England captain, Wilkinson was in a calm mood when asked how he coped with all the flak that has come his way.
"You play for a team cause. If you took everything personally we'd all be quivering wrecks on the floor," he said.
"You have to get on. You put everything into everything you do and that has to be enough. Give everything to every decision, every play to get the best result. You can't ask for any more."
Despite his struggles in Rome, Wilkinson landed the drop-goal that sealed England's victory.
Although not up there with the drop-goal he kicked to secure England's World Cup final win over Australia and enable Johnson to lift the Webb Ellis trophy in Sydney, it showed how even a faltering Wilkinson could prevent his whole game disintegrating when not at his best.
However, what has most irked his critics is the way in which he has orchestrated England's back division.
Dawson said it was himself, centre Will Greenwood and No 8 Lawrence Dallaglio, who have also now retired from Test rugby, who made the bulk of on-field calls when England were the world's top team.
But Wilkinson, who made his England debut as a replacement against Ireland at Twickenham 12 years ago, said Dawson's comments were as nothing compared to his own self-analysis.
"In every game I've ever played I've never been satisfied. I will probably resign in however many years probably the most unsatisfied man in the world but I'm happy to go that way because it keeps me driving.
"I don't mind coming off the field saying I could have done that better. Give me long enough and I'd find 100 things for you."
Meanwhile Johnson said England's failings against Italy weren't just down to Wilkinson.
"Everyone is pointing fingers at Jonny but it's a team issue," said the former lock.
"Jonny does make decisions. He has played 75 Tests, I don't think there is an issue with that.
"I have a wry smile when I read some of those articles. I don't think I have to sit here and defend what Jonny's done in rugby."
As for Dawson's comments, a deadpan Johnson said: "I didn't make any decisions either, it was all Matt Dawson."
England, for all their critics, are one of only two sides in this season's Six Nations, along with France, who are still in with a chance of completing the grand slam.
"When you win games you don't have to make apologies for how you do it, although we seem to have to," said Johnson.
