Johnson unconcerned despite losing key man Sheridan

The injury-plagued loosehead prop was replaced by Alex Corbisiero just 22 minutes into England’s 17-9 victory last weekend and scans have confirmed a grade two tear.

England, chasing their first RBS Six Nations clean sweep since 2003, tackle Scotland at Twickenham a week on Saturday and then Ireland at the new Aviva Stadium in the last round of the championship.

Sheridan returned to Sale from England’s training camp in Oxford yesterday, leaving Corbisiero in pole position to start the Calcutta Cup showdown with Scotland.

England manager Martin Johnson has no qualms turning to the inexperienced 22-year-old from London Irish after his performances so far in the tournament.

Corbisiero made an impressive debut against Italy, after Sheridan had pulled out on the eve of the match with a back problem, and he played for an hour against France.

“When Sheridan was injured for the Italy game it was, in a way, a blessing in disguise,” Johnson said.

“It gave Corbs an opportunity and when he came off the bench last week it wasn’t all new to him.

“He was playing against a world-class scrummage and world-class players in William Servat and Nicolas Mas and he acquitted himself pretty well.

“He had to really fight and battle. At times they got one on him and at times he got one on them, so he did really well.”

Toby Flood also had to be replaced early against France after injuring his Achilles. England expect him to be fit for the Scotland game but they will take no risks with him in training this week.

As a result, Jonny Wilkinson is set to be retained in camp and not released to play for Toulon in their key Top 14 game against Clermont Auvergne on Friday night.

“Managing injuries are a big part of the job. We anticipate Toby being okay but you can never be sure,” Johnson said.

“He has a bit of Achilles tendon soreness. We think he will be fine (to play Scotland) but we will be very cautious with him.

“I doubt Toby will run this week – potentially Thursday, but we will be cautious with him.

“We will make a call on Jonny based on how we think Floody is.”

England will also be keeping hold of James Haskell and former Leeds lock Tom Palmer, who have started all three games so far – much to the frustration of their club Stade Francais.