England coach Martin Johnson has said he expects to be without Simon Shaw and Delon Armitage for the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland (4/6 to receive the wooden spoon) on March 13.

England (20/1 to be tournament winners) head to Murrayfield next week needing a win to have any chance of keeping of their hopes alive of winning the Six Nations after their 16-20 defeat to Ireland (10/1).

Shaw and Armitage look unlikely to play any part in the crunch game against the as yet winless Scots.

Wasps (10/1 to be Grand Final winners) lock Shaw injured his shoulder in the opening minutes of the defeat to Ireland while London Irish (5/1) full-back Armitage was forced off in the same game with damage to his rib cartilage.

Johnson has now revealed that he expects both players not to be involved next week, although he will know for certain in the coming days.

“Delon’s rib injury is difficult to call when he will be fit but he and Simon are progressing very well,” said Johnson.

“We will know more next week but it is likely, particularly Simon, that they will be ruled out.”

Louis Deacon looks set to step in for Shaw should he be unavailable will Ben Foden could get the nod at 15 having replaced Armitage in the defeat to the Irish.

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