England have come in for a lot of criticism since they lost to Ireland two weeks ago.

Some of it has been fair, because they certainly misfired in key areas, but it does a disservice to Ireland, whose strategy was spot-on that day.

It also clouds the fact that England still have a lot of very good players. England's playing resources are huge, so get anywhere near the Test side ou have to be a top performer.

So who are the men Scotland should be worried about today? And, perhaps more importantly, how can they be stopped. These are my top five.

MIKE BROWN (Full-Back)

Brown is an all-round quality player. He is a good carrier, is great in the air and although he does not have electric pace, he seems to make yards very time. He is versatile, too, and can play anywhere in the back three. Having him back in the starting side is a huge boost for England. He is physical. too, and he has a bit of an edge about him.

The key to nullifying Brown's threat is to kick really well. Scotland can't afford to give him the ball in space as he will do damage on the counter-attack. He is strong and difficult to stop. I don't think our kicking game has been great this season, so it has to tighten up.

JONATHAN JOSEPH (Centre).

Joseph made the headlines when he scored two clever tries against Italy. To be honest, I hadn't been all that impressed by him in his two Champions Cup games against Glasgow this season, when he didn't stand out. But there is still no doubt that he is a special payer and can turn the slimmest of chances into scores. He has quick feet and can turn on a sixpence, although I don't buy the idea that he is the new Jeremy Guscott because they are very different players.

On the other hand, I don't think he has really been tested in defence. The Glasgow lads certainly know they can score against him. Mark Bennett will not be scared to have a go at him.

GEORGE FORD (Fly-Half)

Ford has risen to the top of the England number 1 pecking order over the past year - and quite rightly too. He has a better all-round game and a better temperament than Owen Farrell in my book. He has a great attacking game, plays very flat to the gain line, but still marshals his backs superbly. He reads the game well and is brave in defence. He's not scared to make a tackle.

He was found out in the last game, against Ireland. The Irish have given Scotland the script because they got in his face, made him work, unsettled him. No fly-half wants to have that pressure; he wants to be on the front foot and going forward. I rate him highly, but anyone can be closed down by the right tactics.

DYLAN HARTLEY (Hooker)

He's controversial and he has his naughty boy reputation, but there is a very good player in there. A good bloke, too, which I found out when he was in the Academy at Worcester when I was there. I've watched his career since and I'm always impressed by his technical excellence. He may not be the most dynamic hooker in the world, but he has a good mix to his game. he is a leader as well, and whatever people outside the game might think of him, he has the respect of his team-mates.

But still, he is hot-headed and he can be rattled, and Scotland have to play on that. I can guarantee that doing just that will be in Jim Hamilton's mind from the start.

BILLY VUNIPOLA (No.8)

A scary sight going forward, the big No.8 is a difficult man to stop. I think he has made more offloads than any other player in the championship so far, which tells you how keen England have been to play off him. He doesn't look particularly fit as he has a bit of a belly on him, but he is a fantastic, dynamic rugby player.

He will have a strong scrum to work off, but Scotland can't afford to give him any room at all. They have to shut him down, probably with two tacklers, before he hits his stride. They will also have noticed that he is not the greatest defender in the world and they may try to exploit that.

ENDS