Wales V Italy Hospitality

England manager Martin Johnson could be set to throw caution to the wind ahead of the RBS Six Nations.

Johnson and his side came in for heavy criticism during the autumn internationals after a series of turgid and disappointing displays.

A scrappy win over Argentina was sandwiched in between defeats to Australia and New Zealand.

But more frustrating than the results themselves was the fact England lacked any direction or creativity in the defeats, managing just one try and 31 points.

However there have been rumblings from Twickenham that Johnson is now ready to throw off the shackles and give his players more attacking freedom.

With the highly-rated Brian Smith as his attack coach, Johnson has one of the best men in the business to implement a new creative approach - and it looks likely Wednesday's EPS and Saxons squad announcements will see the players named to breathe life into England's game.

Johnson is almost certain to recall Delon Armitage, Riki Flutey, Nick Easter and Toby Flood to his 32-man elite squad for the championship - but there could also be one or two surprises.

Northampton trio Chris Ashton, Ben Foden and Courtney Lawes, Leicester's Dan Cole and Ben Youngs, centres Shontayne Hape and Dominic Waldouck, Worcester prop Matt Mullan and Saracens' Andy Saull are among those pushing for key roles.

The return of Flutey, who impressed on his comeback for Brive against Perpignan, will certainly solve the problem over who to play at inside centre.