Johnson and Borthwick came in for criticism during the Autumn Tests

England number eight Nick Easter believes Steve Borthwick should remain captain for the Six Nations despite being linked to the role himself.

The Saracens lock has been skipper in every game since Martin Johnson took over in 2008 but the manager opted not to confirm him in the job last week.

Harlequins' Easter said: "I would give Steve my backing for the captaincy.

"He is a tremendous captain. He brings so much intensity and professionalism to every training session."

Borthwick and Johnson's positions came under fire during the autumn Tests when England narrowly beat Argentina and lost to Australia and New Zealand.

Borthwick's place in the starting XV is under threat from Northampton's Courtney Lawes, but Easter, who missed the autumn matches with a calf injury, argued: "Steve played some of his best rugby for England in the last two games (against Argentina and New Zealand) as well.

The players and the management have this belief that now is the time to deliver Nick Easter

"He has been captaining Sarries well this season. They've been there or thereabouts at the top of the league and he's a natural leader.

"When he says something, it isn't just for the sake of it."

England head to Portugal for a warm-weather training camp next Monday, 25 January, before tackling Wales at Twickenham on 6 February.

Johnson is due to attend the official Six Nations launch with his captain in London next Wednesday, 27 January.

England will also welcome back the likes of Lee Mears, Riki Flutey and Toby Flood for their Six Nations campaign.

And Easter believes their return can help England win the tournament.

"The players and the management have this belief that now is the time to deliver," added Easter.

"If we are to set standards and be the world's best then we have to conquer our hemisphere first of all and we can only do that by winning the Six Nations.

"It will be mightily difficult but we can do it."

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