Johnson resumes England captaincy

Martin Johnson will regain the captaincy from stand-in Jonny Wilkinson for England's Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield…

Martin Johnson will regain the captaincy from stand-in Jonny Wilkinson for England's Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on March 22nd.

Wilkinson took over the armband for Sunday's victory over Italy after Johnson was ruled out with a minor Achilles tendon injury.

However, the Leicester lock is among five players returning from injury who were today named by head coach Clive Woodward in a 30-man training squad.

Northampton veteran Paul Grayson is also included in the party as cover at stand-off with Sale Sharks' Charlie Hodgson facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the 40-5 Twickenham win over Italy.

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Woodward said: "It is good to welcome back a number of players from injury. Ben Cohen (thigh), Jason Robinson (knee), Trevor Woodman (neck and shoulder), Martin Johnson (Achilles) and Neil Back (calf) are all now back in contention to be selected for the game against Scotland.

"I thought Jonny Wilkinson did an outstanding job as captain last week and as planned Martin Johnson will resume this role against Scotland.

"After their win against Wales, Scotland will provide us with a tough test. They scored three tries and look as if they are returning to form.

"I will be watching Bath against Northampton at the weekend which once again will give me the opportunity of monitoring the form of a number of players, including Mike Catt.

Grayson, 31, made his England debut back in 1995 and the last of his 23 caps came in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against South Africa in 1999.

The full extent of Hodgson's injury has yet to be revealed, but with Wilkinson also suffering an injury scare against Italy, Woodward has called on the experienced Grayson as vital cover on the bench.

Gloucester prop Woodman has not played for England since the autumn victory over the All Backs after suffering neck and shoulder injuries - which required an operation - in an England training session.

He may have to wait a while longer for his return following Graham Rowntree's impressive performance against Italy.

England training squad

Backs:K Bracken (Saracens), B Cohen (Northampton), M Dawson (Northampton), A Gomarsall (Gloucester), P Grayson (Northampton), W Greenwood (Harlequins), J Lewsey (Wasps), D Luger (Harlequins), J Noon (Newcastle), J Robinson (Sale Sharks), J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), O Smith (Leicester), M Tindall (Bath), J Wilkinson (Newcastle).

Forwards:N Back (Leicester), S Borthwick (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), D Grewcock (Bath), R Hill (Saracens), M Johnson (Leicester), B Kay (Leicester), R Morris (Northampton), M Regan (Leeds), G Rowntree (Leicester), A Sanderson (Sale Sharks), S Shaw (Wasps), S Thompson (Northampton), T Woodman (Gloucester), J Worsley (Wasps), M Worsley (London Irish). PA