Mark Cueto broke a long scoring duck against Italy © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Chris Ashton | Mark Cueto | Ben Foden

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England | France

England winger Mark Cueto believes that the infectious enthusiasm of Northampton duo Ben Foden and Chris Ashton has helped to revitalise the squad.

Since the arrival of the pair on the international stage there has been a lift in England's play, with their broken-field running providing new impetus since last season's narrow loss to France in Paris.

Ashton has already bagged six tries in this season's Six Nations and will spearhead England's charge for a vital Twickenham clash with France on Saturday.

"It's the enthusiasm they bring to the game. They're two peas in a pod in terms of personality," he said. "They're jokers and like to be the clowns of the group. But in terms of what they do on the field, their energy is unbelievable. It's almost contagious.

"Maybe 12-18 months ago, when the conditions and rules were different, you got bogged down in tactical kicking and field position but the way we're playing at the moment is so exciting for a back three to be involved in. The energy Ben and Chris bring to the team excites not only me, but everyone else as well."

Cueto ended an 18-Test scoring drought, dating back to March 2009, when he crossed against Italy and the 31-year-old is relieved the barren spell is over.

"Now that I've scored, my mindset hasn't changed at all. During the time I hadn't been scoring I was pretty honest," he said. "I was happy with my form, but I'd never say it didn't bother me that I wasn't scoring tries.

"I'm out there to do that but while it got slightly frustrating, my form was good. I managed to get through it because of that. Scoring at the weekend was a nice moment but my mindset is the same. I want to score tries but it's more important that the team is winning and playing well.

"I'd much rather we won the Six Nations and I didn't score than we finished third and I scored seven tries. It's going well but it helps when you're playing in a team that's playing well. Everybody's playing well."

Cueto is expecting France to turn up at Twickenham this weekend and insists that despite their mixed start to the tournament they present multiple challenges.

"France have the ability to play more than one way," he said. "Maybe the start of their Six Nations hasn't gone perfectly to plan, but they've still won two games.

"Teams that win games when they're not playing to their full potential are very dangerous. Look at the backline they've got - they have the ability to score tries from anywhere. They have a huge pack and a good set piece, but can turn the flair on when they want to."