New coach Brian Ashton will want his to play with an attacking game plan. He always wants his players to be aggressive and confrontational but also to run into space. The strength of the forwards has always been there no matter what combination he puts together.

They will improve on previous years Six Nations performances. Once you start to win games a confidence slowly starts to come about in the squad. It's about acquiring that winning habit. I fully expect England to bounce back from the autumn.

Phil Vickery will add to that as a captain. He's very much a leader of men who lets his actions do the talking for him. As a world-class player, he will have a major say in the England games.

There will be great competition between Lewis Moody, Martin Corry and Joe Worsley. Tom Rees will also be very close to making his Six nations debut.

Jonny Wilkinson, after three years out, has come back now and is putting games together for Newcastle and people are saying he looks sharp and revitalised.

The favourites with the bookies and the supporters are Ireland and that's quite right. They are an outstanding side with great players and a world-class captain in Brian O'Driscoll and a great coach in Eddie O'Sullivan.