Johnson attempted to banish the memories of the Red Rose brigade's disappointing autumn series by naming a host of new names in his squad for this year's competition.

Bath centre Shontayne Hape, fellow rugby league convert Chris Ashton, Courtney Lawes and Ben Foden were all included in Johnson's Senior EPS squad.

And the former national captain admits his new troops will have to learn fast if England are to prosper in 2010.

"There will be a lot of hype around that game as ever – the first game of the tournament, England-Wales," he said.

"Both teams will feel the pressure of needing to get a win, that is what it's all about. There will be a huge intensity to that match and we just need to be smart.

"They will come here and I don't know who will be favourites, but England-Wales is always a huge game, it's always tough.

"Everyone is under pressure, that's the nature of the game. So are we to a degree. We just have to get our players ready for a tense but special occasion."