The 27-year-old Edinburgh hooker, who started all four of Scotland’s World Cup games in New Zealand last autumn, is deputising for coach Andy Robinson’s first choice Kelly Brown but is looking to take full advantage of the Saracens back-row’s absence through injury.

Ford, who made his 53rd international appearance in the 16-12 World Cup defeat to England, is intent on gaining revenge in the Calcutta Cup clash and has called on his charges to follow his lead.

“I'll be looking to go out and do my job and lead by example, and that means getting the ball in my hands and having a good bash at it,” said Ford.

''We want to challenge each other all the time we are on the pitch — to push each other and keep going forwards.

“You don't need to be shouting and roaring at people. Sometimes only a look is what's needed to make someone do better next time.

''Accountability and taking responsibility is also key, whether it just is working extra hard on chasing kicks or knowing your place in the team structure.

“This week has been mainly about us, we can only control what we do on the pitch. Whatever England bring, we'll just have to deal with it and combat that the way that works best for us.

"If we put enough pressure on them and work our systems well enough, we'll get the ball back.”

As well as Ford, Robinson has also put faith in wingers Max Evans and debutant Lee Jones, and the skipper is confident in their ability to deliver on the Murrayfield stage.

"When Max and Jonesy get the ball they are electric, so it's important to find a way of getting them into space and into mismatch situations, where they can do what they do best,” he added.

"That's getting the ball in their hands and having a crack."