Taking charge - England skipper Martin Corry

Former skipper Lawrence Dallaglio may have just returned to the squad, but Robinson talked up his current captain at Wednesday's RBS Six Nations launch.

"As always, we are going to be under pressure in these games," he said.

"It will need Martin's outstanding leadership and that of the other leaders to keep a cool head."

Robinson said Corry's leadership of his club side showed he was at the peak of his powers.

"The last two weeks, and the way Martin led the Leicester side in the Heineken Cup games in Stade Francais and Clermont Auvergne, shows how well he is performing and how well the team reacts to him under pressure," he said.

Robinson said it was vital that England got off to a great start against Wales in the opening Six Nations clash next week.

Defending champions Wales have not won at Twickenham since their Triple Crown season of 1988.

The important thing for us is beating Wales, starting the momentum and getting the ball rolling Andy Robinson

But England's recent Six Nations form has been poor, the team winning just five of their last 10 games in the tournament and slumping to an embarrassing fourth place a year ago.

"Any time an England team goes on the pitch, the expectation is there to win," said Robinson.

"The important thing for us is beating Wales, starting the momentum and getting the ball rolling.

"If you look at what was achieved by Wales last season, they won by a kick in the last five minutes against us which enabled them to grow.

"For us, it created a little bit of instability and, from that, we stuttered through the championship, so it is important we get a win in this first game."

Olly Barkley's absence leaves a gap in the midfield

Wales have seen their preparations severely disrupted by injuries and suspensions, with Gavin Henson, Ryan Jones and Tom Shanklin all absent from Twickenham.

By contrast, Robinson's problems are minimal, although Bath centre Olly Barkley is out because of a dislocated thumb and flanker Pat Sanderson is battling to overcome a back injury.

Barkley's absence means there is a vacancy alongside Gloucester's Mike Tindall at centre.

"It is disappointing to lose Olly, he's been playing well and there was potential for him to start," said Robinson.

"We've got Mike, Jamie (Noon) and James Simpson-Daniel, while it is great to have Stuart Abbott back and Josh Lewsey has also been playing in the centre.

"We have got a number of players who can play in that position and who are playing pretty well. It is about getting the combination right."

A newly-commissioned trophy awaits the side which comes away with the Triple Crown this year.