Ashton warning for England

Although Ashton declined to name names, it is clear another stuttering performance on Saturday could result in the axe being wielded before England tackle Scotland at Murrayfield on March 8.

"It is fair to say, and there is no point in hiding this because it's been said to the players, this is a big, big game for some players at the weekend," said Ashton. "I am sure you know who they are, as well as I do."

Players like Jonny Wilkinson, Iain Balshaw and Mark Regan could easily fit into that category as England target a first Six Nations success at Stade de France since 2000.

Ashton has made just three changes despite seeing his team stutter to a 23-19 victory over Italy last time out.

That result followed a first home loss to Wales for 20 years, but Ashton has decided not to carry out radical surgery.

Sale Sharks scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth will make a first England start after being handed a debut off the bench in Rome.

Blackpool-born Wigglesworth replaces 2003 World Cup winner Andy Gomarsall, who produced poor displays against Wales and Italy, with uncapped London Irish prospect Paul Hodgson providing bench cover.

The two other changes are up front, where props Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery return.