Johnson will be hoping his prayers are answered and his side return to form in this year's Championship © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Steve Borthwick | Martin Johnson

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations | Six Nations Under-20's

Teams: England

Martin Johnson has urged his England side to bounce back from the disappointment of their autumn campaign.

England suffered record defeats at the hands of South Africa and New Zealand and were also routed by Australia last November and were subsequently mauled by the media for their lacklustre performances.

"The reaction was expected. We didn't want to lose, especially not in the style we did," he said. "If you lose the reaction is over-critical and if you win it's too much the other way. We know we didn't do a good enough job as team.

"We need to improve and know that's what we must do. We have to improve as a team. We need to build some momentum. We're coming off three losses so we must start the tournament well.

"Italy are coming to Twickenham and there's an expectation that we'll win that game but we'll have to improve on the autumn. Our guys have been through a really tough autumn series in terms of results and they need to deal with the disappointment of that.

"We need to react to that and get on with it. We're a more experienced team than four or five months ago."

England skipper Steve Borthwick echoed Johnson's sentiments, insisting, "I think the morale and spirit in the squad is high. We are a developing team and we have to come together very, very quickly. Losing those games by the margins we did, although it was hugely painful at the time, ultimately it will be a great experience.

"It takes time to develop partnerships and to develop as a team. It was the first time we had worked with (coach) Martin (Johnson), the first time working with some of these players. In the Autumn our mistakes were punished severely and we didn't take our chances and that needs to change."