What a difference a man called Jonny makes. When the England rugby team lost to Argentina at Twickenham in November the sport in this country had reached its lowest ebb. The backs were cutting through teams like a cold knife through rock and the forwards, once the rock that England could rely on, were being smashed out of the games.

So heads started rolling. Coach Andy Robinson jumped before he was pushed and Martin Corry stood downas captain  after seeing England through the worst run of fixtures in their long history. You could not help but feel slightly sorry for both men; Robinson had to step into the shoes of Sir Clive Woodward - but with hardly a member of the 2003 team available. Corry, billed as a Martin Johnson-style leader, tried manfully to change the fortunes of the team, but his own form and leadership skills set him down.

But in two months England have gone from sinners to winners. New coach Brian Ashton's appointment has coincided with the return of several key players that some say will change the fortune of this side.

Mike Tindall, Phil Vickery and Joe Worsley are all available again, Ashton managed to coax Jason Robinson out of retirement and Mike Catt was recalled to the squad at the spritely age of 35. Catt still plays at a high level  in domestic rugby but  has been England's fire-fighter in the past and they must move on in their selection policy. Oh yeah - and some bloke called Wilkinson is back.

So that’s it sorted then: England to get the Triple Crown, the Grand Slam and defend their world title later in the year. Maybe not. Although I have much respect for Ashton, I cannot believe he can save the sinking ship so soon. The England manager's job is more like being captain of the Titanic. Ashton's first XV has some of the same names his predecessor Robinson picked - are the likes of Corry, George Chuter and Iain Balshaw suddenly going to come good? We must hope that some fresh ideas will help inspire some good performance.

One thing Andy Robinson can never be accused of during his tenure was not trying out new players. We saw everyone from Andy Goode to Mark Van Gisbergen try the No.10 jersey, while everyone lost count of the number of front row members used. Ashton, on the other hand, has tried something else by bringing some of the old guard back. The likes of Phil Vickery and Jason Robinson will enhance the team - but you wonder what Catt can contribute. He selection is a very backwards step - even though he isn't in the squad to face Scotland.

Centre Mike Tindall has shown indifferent form, as has hooker Steve Thompson, whom Ashton would have picked if fit. Rugby League convert Andy Farrell is perhaps the biggest question mark in the side but most would concede that given injuries and poor form, Ashton has little choice.

We are all glad to see  Wilkinson back; in these dark days the only comfort England fans have had is that Jonny may return to rescue them. But I do worry for him - a poor game or a new injury and he will be finished. Against one of the tournament's weaker teams (with no disrespect to Scotland),  Ashton could have given the likes of Toby Flood another chance to impress.

Installing Vickery as captain was a good decision. He knows what it takes to be champions and is still the right side of 30, so could be around for a long-term stint. Unfortunately for Corry, he was associated with Robinson's tenure and his own poor form left Ashton with little option. His situation is not unlike David Beckham's fall from grace in the England football side and with Lewis Moody, Tom Rees and a resurgent Lawrence Dallaglio waiting in the flanks (literally), his time in a white jersey could be over

To me this team seems a little like mutton dressed as lamb. It remains to be seen whether Ashton has sorted out the pack (not his area of expertise) or given the backs some new ideas. Scotland have improved steadily in the last 12 months so England will have their work cut out at a venue that is no longer a fortress. If this new course doesn’t work, then it could be a long year for the Twickenham faithful.

Is Brian Ashton right to bring Jonny Wilkinson back so quickly after a 12-week injury lay-off? Let Sportingo have your views and comments.