Martin Johnson is confident England have developed the spirit and trust necessary to prevent another gruesome autumn from unfolding.

One year on from his torrid baptism as manager when England slumped to heavy defeats by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Johnson believes he is presiding over a more harmonious squad.

An alarming injury crisis has caused disarray, robbing England of half their first-choice team and forcing the selection of a makeshift side for Saturday's series opener against Australia.

The return of World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson and Lewis Moody has added some experience to an otherwise unseasoned line-up.

For all the disruption to his plans, however, Johnson believes his philosophy will ensure the team are better prepared for the coming month that when he first took control.

"It will be just as difficult as last year. Did we think we'd get some the defeats we did last year? No - we were confident in our group," he said.

"This autumn is going to be tough as well. Yes, Australia have lost a few games this year but they've lost to the best teams in the world.

"We've had some changes forced upon us but the squad has a better feel to it in terms of spirit.

"It felt like a group of 30 players had been thrown together last year.

"The guys you play Test matches with have to have trust in each other.

"That wasn't there at the start but it developed in the Six Nations and against Argentina during the summer. We've also been building it up over the last two weeks.

"It will get tested against Australia, but if they can keep that trust between each other in the heat of a game it will win you the match."

How successful Johnson has been in conveying his message will also become clearer during further Tests against Argentina and New Zealand.

Scrum coach Graham Rowntree believes England have become more cohesive, choosing "honesty, relentlessness and integrity" as their guiding principles.

"Johnno has grown into the job and found the style with which he wants to manage. One thing he has really worked on are the spirit and values," he said.

"We've spoken about values and how we want to be perceived by everyone else and each other.

"The guys are sticking to those values when a year ago I don't think we would have done.

"We weren't as professional as we are now or as prepared to do as much for each other.

"These values are on and off the pitch. Honesty, relentlessness and integrity with each other are the things we've worked on."

The vast number of injuries has left England facing an uncertain autumn with Wilkinson, Thompson and Moody and captain Steve Borthwick the only seasoned campaigners.

It will be the first time Thompson and Wilkinson have featured in the same team since the 2003 World Cup final triumph against Australia.

Bath prop David Wilson and Leicester number eight Jordan Crane have two caps each while four of the backline have yet to reach double figures in Test appearances.

The two debutants come on the bench in centre Ayoola Erinle and second row Courtney Lawes, with the latter's inclusion genuine cause for excitement.

Lawes played for England at the Under-20 World Cup during the summer yet has surged into contention with a string of headline displays for Northampton this season.

"Courtney's an exceptional athlete with a huge amount of potential," said Johnson.

"To be on an international bench at 20 in that position is exceptional.

"Someone text me saying he's a bit like I used to be, but more athletic, funnier and better looking."