Ashton: Expectations high for England

Ashton was one of the try-scorers in the 38-21 triumph at Twickenham on 2 December, which gave coach Stuart Lancaster's side a timely boost after defeats to Australia and South Africa.

"It gave us the confidence to think we can go on and score some tries," Ashton told Sky Sports News. "The two weeks before we might have struggled with that a little bit, but it filled us with the faith we can push on from there."

England face Scotland at home in their opening Six Nations clash on 2 February and Ashton is wary of people expecting too much.

"It is difficult sometimes to go in as favourites but we are not thinking too much about it," he added. "We want to keep playing our own game and try do the same thing. We're at home again so there is no better place to do it."

Ashton has welcomed the return of Ben Foden, who will join up with the England squad after playing in the Heineken Cup with Northampton this weekend having recovered from ankle ligament damage.

"He's been playing well for Northampton. He's a threat with the ball, an outstanding player and finisher and we have good options in the back three now with Mike Brown and Alex Goode."