Harlequins legend Jason Leonard believes inexperience rather than a lack of leadership is to blame for England's Six Nations slump.

Head coach Brian Ashton's men have flattered to deceive so far in this year's competition, with a shock defeat to Wales at Twickenham followed by a narrow victory over Italy in Rome.

Skipper Phil Vickery, substituted in both games, has come under fire from some for going missing in action in two rudderless second-half performances.

But Leonard, a veteran of four World Cups and a former international captain, has backed the Wasps tighthead as the right man for the job, instead pointing to a lack of experience for England's woes.

"Too much emphasis can be placed on the captain's job on the field at this level," he said.

"Martin Johnson always used to say that his team was full of leaders, which made his job a lot easier.

"And, when you look through his teams, you would see names like Neil Back, Lawrence Dallaglio, Matt Dawson and Will Greenwood - all experienced leaders in their own right.

"When you look at the team now, there isn't that same experience to call on when things are not going so well.

"I have not got a problem with Phil being substituted, providing the person replacing him is as good.

"He is still one of the leading props in the country."

Leonard won a record 114 caps during a glittering England career topped with a World Cup winner's medal in 2003.

But he believes it is inevitable someone will beat that mark and believes loosehead Andrew Sheridan, who is only just starting to realise his potential, could be among them.

Leonard said: "He is still learning and think he can better and better and better.

"He is the sort of player you would rather have in your team than against you.

"Records are there to be broken and, with an average of 10 Tests a year, I think it is inevitable someone will surpass my mark."

Quins defeated Worcester Warriors last weekend to put their faltering league campaign back on track.

And Leonard, speaking at an RBS Six Nations event in the City, believes his former club will make a big impression on Europe next season.

He said: "Dean Richards has done a fantastic job and I think some of the youngsters coming through are really exciting.

"They qualified for Europe a year early, really, but I am expecting big things from them next year."