Jonny Wilkinson is crying out for the return of Riki Flutey

Martin Johnson insisted after the victory that he never promised to "liberate" the England rugby team, but there has been a significant change within the squad environment with the players having a greater say.

Johnson's coaches have listened to key decision makers and, at times, against Wales, there were indications players such as Care were reacting instinctively rather than by the numbers.

However, despite his usual world-class kicking, Wilkinson did not offer the kind of attacking threat that will be needed if England are to join Ireland and France in the hunt for Six Nations honours.

The late loss of Riki Flutey, the Brive inside-centre, was a serious blow to England and Wilkinson and a final verdict on the man who kicked his country to World Cup glory will be delayed until the pair have operated together — hopefully against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

Flutey is expected to be available for selection, allowing England to revert to the back division originally chosen against Wales and designed to utilise the attacking threats out wide.

With Toby Flood drafted into the role, England lacked a running threat at inside-centre and Wilkinson too often retreated into the "pocket" to fire the ball high, using the kick and chase tactic that disfigured the autumn Tests.

Wilkinson must stand flat and in the faces of the opposition — starting with the combative Italians who boast a world-class pack and limited back-line threats, highlighted in their 29-11 loss to Ireland in Dublin.

Wilkinson is keenly aware of the need to step up his game and said: "There's still tons we can improve on as a team — from my point of view, that includes decision making and game management."

While the win over Wales produced three tries — two for James Haskell and one for Care — there were also periods of dour rugby, particularly in the first half when England desperately needed the direct running of Flutey and his tactical influence on Wilkinson, who has always looked more effective with a players such as Mike Catt and Will Greenwood in his ear.

Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, was rightly livid with Alun Wyn Jones for getting sin-binned which allowed England to rattle up 17 points in his absence and his verdict on the opposition tactical plan was short and to the point. He said: "They used the pick and go and the box kick."

Accepting that Gatland was not a happy coach, his appreciation of England's play wasn't far off the mark and today's video examination of the match at the team's Bagshot hotel will show Johnson's men where improvement have to be made.

Care is not getting carried away and the Harlequins No9 said: "It's great to get a win and off to a good start in the Six Nations and this next one is a massive challenge.

"It will be a very tight game and Italy are going to fly in from all angles to try and stop us playing and we have to stick to what worked against Wales.

"After the game, Johnno reminded everyone that it was only one game and we must improve. It's always nice to score a try and it was my first for England at Twickenham. The coaches said to me all week to back myself and go for it, if the break is on, and it's all about taking the right option."

While the jury is still out on Wilkinson, the play of Care, captain Steve Borthwick, No8 Nick Easter and flanker James Haskell deserved recognition and they will have key roles to play in Rome.

Easter made a point of mentioning Care's performance and having missed the disappointing autumn matches, he was well placed to give a verdict on the current set-up.

Easter said: "That was probably the most freedom I have seen Danny play with for England and it was about allowing the guys to do what got them selected in the first place."

The final word must go to two-try Haskell, who is finally delivering the performances his early year with London Wasps suggested would be seen at Test level.

He said: "In my earlier games with England I might have had a bit of panic but when you look around and see whose is alongside you, there was no way we were going to capitulate.

"People would have rather died than lost that game because we really needed that result to justify the work we have done."