SIX NATIONS RECORD (2000-08): 1, 1, 2 (Triple Crown), 1 (Grand Slam), 3, 4, 4, 3, 2. Runner-up finish last year was the best since the halcyon days of 2003, but not enough to save Brian Ashton's job.
COACH: Martin Johnson. Technically team manager, but the World Cup-winning captain is the figurehead for a coaching staff where ex-Australia and Ireland fly-half Brian Smith is the chief attacking strategist. After a humbling start in the autumn Tests, Johnson needs a decent tournament to ward off the doubters.
CAPTAIN: Steve Borthwick. Retained job after disastrous New Zealand summer tour, and much criticised after heavy defeats to the Tri-Nations sides. His application and attitude is not in question, but doubts over his true Test class, and leadership, persist.
RISING STAR: Danny Cipriani had it so good - dashing playmaker, celebrity girlfriend - before serious injury, then a habit of conceding charge-down tries, derailed the bandwagon. But at 21, young enough and talented enough to shine again.
X-FACTOR MATERIAL: Prop Matt Stevens bellowed his way to the celebrity final in 2006, but now faces a ban after an X-rated factor in his own life. New recruit Ben Foden can also stake a claim after reaching the second round of TV talent contest Pop Idol by fronting a band called Anonymous.
PROSPECTS: With confidence low and visits to Cardiff and Dublin second and third on the agenda, England could face France at Twickenham in mid-March in full fire-fighting mode. Would be a surprise if they match, or better, last year's second place.
ODDS: 10/3
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