LCC Broadcast News Room

Martin Johnson will name his squad for the Six Nations this afternoon and the England manager has promised a return to attacking play.

The return of Delon Armitage, Riki Flutey and Toby Flood from injury will inject a spark into England's attacking options and help throw off the cloak of fear that shrouded much of their rugby last year.

Nick Easter brings stern authority and an underestimated array of subtle skills to the back row after missing the autumn matches. The evergreen lock Simon Shaw is confident of being fit and hooker Lee Mears is back playing.

The Northampton winger Chris Ashton trained with England in the summer and is one of those in contention after a blistering run of form, scoring nine tries in 10 Premiership games this season.

Ashton's Saints team-mate Courtney Lawes, the dynamic and versatile forward, is another who could earn promotion into the senior squad having tasted international action off the bench against Australia.

Stade Francais star James Haskell is challenging Jordan Crane hard for a back-row place after taking his opportunity in the autumn.

Shane Geraghty may well find himself sliding back into the second-string Saxons, where he will join Danny Cipriani, now that Jonny Wilkinson, Flutey and Flood are fit and playing.

But Johnson is unlikely to be too radical, with the bulk of his squad set to remain the same.

The side will be announced at 1300.