England v Wales, Six Nations, February 6
Easter vows to lead from the front
Scrum.com
February 4, 2010
England No.8 Nick Easter pictured during a training session, Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Surrey, England, February 2, 2010
Easter returns to the England side having missed the autumn internationals through injury © Getty Images
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Teams: England

Nick Easter insists England will not be wanting for leadership when they kick off their Six Nations campaign against Wales on Saturday.

The experienced Harlequins No.8 makes a welcome return to the England line-up for the Twickenham clash having missed the disappointing autumn campaign through a hamstring injury and is determined to inspire a turnaround in fortunes. In particular, he has promised to silences fears of a lack of leadership within the side.

"We are the guys out on the pitch and making those decisions. You can't be looking up to the stands. You have to be good enough to change it," said the 31-year-old. "If I feel I can make a suggestion, I will."

England manager Martin Johnson has named an attacking line-up for the game as they bid to avoid a fourth straight Championship loss at the hands of their fierce rivals. The England players reportedly persuaded Johnson to adopt a different approach to the autumn in a frank meeting after the squad was widely criticised for a lack of attacking ambitions in November and Easter believes the positive effect can already be seen.

"This has been the best training camp since I have been involved. Everyone is happy with what is going on," he revealed. "We have picked a side, now let's use their strengths as individuals and play heads-up rugby. That does not just mean giving it to the back three every time because that becomes too predictable. We have to be able to challenge in all areas. But if someone sees something then, bang, it is on."

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