Chris Ashton won't be repeating swallow dive, says Martin Johnson

England wing Chris Ashton is ready to ditch his swallow dive when he scores a try to ensure his team-mates are not caught up in the controversy as they bid for the Grand Slam.

England face France at Twickenham on February 26, when victory would keep alive hopes of a first clean sweep since 2003.

Ashton has scored nine tries in nine Tests - including four against Italy last Saturday - and Martin Johnson insists they do not want to shackle the 23-year-old who has become a cult hero in only his second Six Nations.

"I've had a chat with Chris about the issue but it was only a small part of a conversation," said the team manager.

"All we said was, 'Let's get the ball down safely', and also get as near to the posts as possible and he did that four times against Italy.

"I don't think Chris wants all of this to detract from what the team is doing and from his team-mates. He is a fun guy but a serious rugby player and I do not believe this is a big issue."

Johnson revealed that prop Andrew Sheridan has recovered from a back problem and will be expected to play for Sale this weekend putting him in contention for a starting place against France.

Flankers Lewis Moody and Tom Croft will also return from serious injury on Saturday hoping to prove they are ready for England duty.

Bath's Moody, out for five weeks with knee damage, will play against Northampton aiming to show he should regain the England captaincy while Leicester's Croft will face Wasps three months after dislocating his shoulder.