Last Updated: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:48
Coach Martin Johnson claims his current England squad is 'the best in my time in charge' ahead of the Six Nations campaign.
The 2003 World Cup winner has seen his side win just six Tests from 14 since he took charge of team affairs in April 2008, while there was plenty of criticism of the team during the disappointing November Tests against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
However Johnson is confident that his squad has the right ingredients for success ahead of their Six Nations opener against Wales on February 6.
"This is the best squad we have had in my time being in charge," he said.
"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."
He added: "With guys like Jonny Wilkinson, Lewis Moody, Nick Easter, Simon Shaw and Mark Cueto we are starting to have a core group of leaders."
Delon Armitage, Riki Flutey and Toby Flood are all back from injuries for the Twickenham match against the Welsh, while young stars Courtney Lawes, Dan Cole, Matt Mullan and Ben Foden are all included in the squad.
"We are starting to add a bit of depth to our group, more than ever before. There is competition throughout and that is what you need," Johnson said.