It is unfortunate for England that their talisman, Jonny Wilkinson, seems to spend more time on the treatment table these days than he does on the pitch, but his prolonged absence has given others the chance to step up to the plate and prove that the Red Rose are no one-man band.

Wilkinson's importance to England cannot be underestimated, especially in such a pivotal position as stand-off, and that is proven by the experimentation that has been implemented since he was sidelined, with Danny Cipriani, Toby Flood and Andy Goode all failing to claim the number 10 jersey as their own.

Cipriani is seen as the future orchestrator of England's attacking plans, but the Wasps youngster fell by the wayside during the 2009 Six Nations and needs a convincing run of form to force his way back into the reckoning.

During the tournament it was the New Zealand-born Riki Flutey who really came to the fore, the centre's power and guile giving his adopted country's national team a much-needed cutting edge.

Full-back Delon Armitage also looks a real find and the battering ram that is Mike Tindall returned to give England's midfield some muscle.

Problem positions remain hooker and scrum-half where again there has been a lack of outstanding candidates in both positions.

Up front it is a case of same old England. They have a powerful front eight who can match any team in the world when it comes to scrummaging, but in the loose they are less impressive and the forwards can appear one-dimensional with ball in hand.

Skipper Steve Borthwick has found himself the subject of some criticism for his style of leadership, but the second row is growing into the job and should be given more time as England continue their rehabilitation.