The squad is looking stronger and there have been less injuries, albeit Tom Croft is out. We want to push on as a side and we’re looking forward to it.”

Easter admits his hunger for success on the international stage has been heightened by the frustration of missing out on the autumn campaign, when his experience and ball carrying skills were missed by England.

“I would love to start against Wales and I would play tomorrow if asked,” Easter added. “It’s always a massive honour to play in the white shirt but having missed the autumn series, there is more hunger for me to play.

“You always have that motivation and you never take winning a cap for granted at all but when you see the world-class players of Australia, New Zealand and Argentina and you can’t do anything about it, it’s extremely frustrating.”

As for Johnson’s recent admission that England’s coaches were too prescriptive in November, when the defeats to Australia and New Zealand and victory over Argentina only yielded a paltry total of one try, Easter admits the game-breakers in the squa need to operate with more freedom.

“You can’t be too prescriptive to be an international rugby player. Above everything else such as fast, quick and mobile, Test players are good rugby players.

“Players like to play with their heads up sometimes,” he added. “You have to have a structure and know what you are trying to achieve especially if you break the gain-line. Then it is heads-up rugby and if you see an overlap, then you have to go for it.

“You also have to back your players one-on-one such as Danny Care taking a quick-tap.

“If you are playing well for you club then you should play the same way for your country. You need a hard edge to play at international level.”