Sexton backed to face England in Six Nations opener

Johnny Sexton has been backed to start against England in next month’s Six Nations opener – despite not playing a game this year.

The 33-year-old injured his knee in Leinster’s Guinness PRO14 defeat to Munster on December 29, and has sat out the club’s last three games, including Heineken Champions Cup wins over Toulouse and Wasps.