Martin Johnson's side registered just one try and one win - both against Argentina -during the autumn but have claimed victory in their past four RBS 6 Nations games at Rugby HQ.

Wales were the last foreign side to claim a championship triumph on English soil when they earned the first win of what would ultimately be a Grand Slam in 2008.

Warren Gatland's men have won their last three away ties in the competition but have been hit by injuries to Lions front row duo Gethin Jenkins and Matthew Rees.

However, Lee Byrne's two-game ban for joining the Ospreys' clash with Leicester as a 16th man has been overturned and he resumes full-back duties, with James Hook moving to centre.

England have called on fit again duo Delon Armitage and Simon Shaw to bolster their Six Nations prospects and Steve Borthwick retains the captain's armband.

"This is the best squad we have had in my time being in charge," said Johnson.

"We have a good leadership group and it's the strength of any side that you have three, four or five guys who could be captain."