MARK Cueto is backing England's returning Dad's Army to help restore the World Cup holders' tattered reputation, starting with next weekend's Six Nations opener against Scotland.

England's fortunes have nose-dived since that heady November night in Sydney four years ago when Martin Johnson lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy and his side hit rock bottom during a disastrous autumn series of internationals.

Record Twickenham defeats at the hands of New Zealand and Argentina, compounded by losing against South Africa, cost coach Andy Robinson his job and left England's stock at an all-time low.

Former Bath and Ireland coach Brian Ashton has been drafted in to replace Robinson and his immediate priority is to stop the rot, starting with next Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland at Twickenham.

And though a troublesome calf injury means Cueto will miss the game, the Sale Sharks winger believes Ashton's decision to recall many of England's old guard will reap instant dividends.

"Obviously with the likes of my Sale colleague Jason Robinson, Steve Thompson, Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall and Andy Farrell, there's a fair few names that are back in the squad that weren't there in the autumn," Cueto points out.

"And I think they are going bring massive confidence. Those sort of players just bring a huge sense of belief back into the team.

"When you look at the likes of Jason, they are real one-offs. Even if the likes of Jason and Jonny don't play, just having them around the squad, being involved in training, even just being in the hotel, it just brings a renewed sense of belief and a confidence to the whole team.

Effect

"Hopefully that can have a good effect on us for the entire Six Nations and beyond."

Last November's 25-14 reverse at the hands of the Springboks capped a miserable run of eight defeats in nine Tests for England and following Robinson's departure, sparked a series of soul searching as officials and pundits looked for a cure for the Red Rose malaise.

For Cueto, however, reports of England's demise have been much exaggerated. Confidence not talent, he insists, is the main ingredient in short supply.

"Like everything in sport, things tend to be seen as black and white and I think some of England's problems have been over hyped," Cueto adds.

"The bottom line is, ultimately, the players and coaching staff want exactly the same things that fans and the media wants and that's a successful England team.

"I think we showed in patches through the autumn internationals what we are capable of. To score four tries against the All Blacks was no mean feat. Now it's a case of putting it together for 80 minutes.

"We've done it in patches but patches aren't good enough. We now need to put together a consistent performance and build on that.

"Working with Brian Ashton can hopefully give the side an added lift too. He's a Northern bloke so that's good! And he likes his backs to get their hands on the ball and too score tries."

Cueto's more pressing concern is a return to action. Having seen his campaign bedevilled by ankle and groin injuries, the England and British Lions star has been laid low since before Christmas by a calf injury which has forced him out of the Six Nations opener.

Cueto was speaking at the launch of the RBS 6 Nations Party which is offering rugby fans the chance to win an event for up to 250 people at a local rugby club of their choice on March 17, the last day of the Six Nations.

To enter, fans must nominate a rugby club of their choice for the main prize via the website www.rbs6nations.com/party