Lawes was one of Johnson’s top performers in the autumn internationals but has been on the sidelines for almost two months, leaving the door open for Louis Deacon to excel in his absence.

The Leicester lock's form means Lawes may have to settle for a place on the bench in the Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham with veteran Simon Shaw struggling with a groin problem.

England team manager Johnson could have a further selection of headache with Tom Croft also ready to return.

And after playing the entire 80 minutes in Northampton’s defeat to Exeter, Lawes declared he's raring to go.

He said: “If Martin Johnson wants me I’m ready.

“There are no doubts and the knee is sweet. I thought I had a pretty good game against Exeter and carried OK.

“I feel like I am up to speed – I’m a bit tired but I feel good.”