Sale first five-eighths Charlie Hodgson has been drafted into the England squad ahead of the final Six Nations appointment against France as precautionary injury cover for Jonny Wilkinson.
Wilkinson suffered a blow to the head during England's 15-15 draw with Scotland last Sunday (NZT) and had to be replaced early in the second half.
Hodgson, who last played for England on the ill-fated tour of New Zealand in 2008, was briefly drafted into the squad earlier in the tournament after Wilkinson complained of a thigh problem.
England's medics ran the rule over the squad on their return to their Pennyhill Park base on Tuesday and were happy to report that Ugo Monye is making 'good progress' after suffering a neck injury at Murrayfield.
England have also confirmed lock Simon Shaw, who missed the Scotland game with a shoulder injury, is expected to take part in full training this week ahead of the Paris clash.
Meanwhile, Martin Johnson has warned his side it must improve or it will be on the receiving end of a hiding against France in Paris next Sunday.
The England manager delivered his blunt message after watching his side toil the bore draw with Scotland in a Calcutta Cup clash which epitomised how poor both teams are.
England first five-eighths Toby Flood, who had earlier replaced the injured Jonny Wilkinson, missed two late chances to win the game but Johnson conceded his side would not have deserved the victory.
A fortnight ago, England blew a lead against Ireland with five minutes remaining and Johnson warned his men will have to handle the pressure against France.
"We need to take that next step. As a team we have to find a way to win," said Johnson.
"Ireland was a game we could have won. Against Scotland we did some good things and we did some silly things. It is a sign we haven't got the belief to nail those games.
"Next week will be a step up. We have to stay with France because they try to blow you off the park in the first 20 minutes."
England was given an injection of urgency when Johnson sent on the replacements against Scotland and it seems certain that changes will be made for the Paris trip.
Ben Foden replaced the struggling Delon Armitage at full-back and produced another eye-catching performance while Lewis Moody, Steve Thompson and Courtney Lawes all came on to make an impact up front.
Johnson's hand may also be forced in some positions and will again come under pressure to make a change at firs five-eighths.
England's back division is still miss-firing and they cannot exploit Mark Cueto's excellent individual form or utilise the devastating pace of Monye and Mathew Tait.