PAUL James admits the pressure is on Wales after a run of defeats but insists a tight-knit squad is united and raring to go on Friday.

Without a win to savour since beating Italy last March, Wales have gone seven games without victory.

Defeat to England in two days would heap pressure on a team already under scrutiny. But the Ospreys prop said he and his teammates are in confident mood and they are relishing the England challenge.

“There is going to be pressure, but since being in camp we’ve knitted together well and the atmosphere has been really good,” James said. “We are just looking forward now to playing together.”

After losing to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as being held to an embarrassing draw by Fiji, the autumn was a major disappointment for Wales.

James, 28 , who was due to be selected today in his favourite loosehead position, was asked if the bad losing streak was playing on the mind: “Not really. We were disappointed with the results in November, but we can take a lot of positives out of that campaign as well.

“Our pack played very well and there were moments when we showed we could be good in attack. We just have to be building on it for the Six Nations.”

But is Friday night’s game critical to Wales’ campaign?

“It is, and there’s no better team to play first – England at home in your own back yard,” James answered.