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Gavin Henson's long-awaited return to Test rugby might happen on Saturday, but former Wales star Jonathan Davies believes it could be off the bench.

Ospreys centre Henson (pictured) was selected for Wales' Six Nations opener against Scotland last weekend, which would have been his first international appearance in more than 10 months.

But a calf muscle strain suffered during training meant Wales head coach Warren Gatland had to reorganise his midfield, calling up Tom Shanklin alongside Jamie Roberts.

And the partnership made such a devastating impact at Murrayfield that Davies feels Gatland might retain it against Millennium Stadium opponents England.

Roberts was man of the match in Edinburgh, while Shanklin scored Wales' first try.

Gatland is due to name his starting line-up later today, with Henson, skipper Ryan Jones (calf strain) and wing Shane Williams (ankle) providing the main fitness issues.

If Henson is fit, Gatland could easily be tempted to pair him with Roberts, especially given his two previous attempts to field that combination this season were dashed by injury.

It would though, be extremely harsh on 59 times-capped Shanklin, who took his opportunity superbly four days ago.

"To be honest, he (Henson) might be forced on to the bench," Davies said.

"Shanklin and Roberts played so well together at Murrayfield during what was an outstanding Welsh performance in the first 60 minutes."

Wales are red-hot favourites to record their third successive Six Nations victory over England, but Davies urges a degree of caution.

"Over the last 15 years or so, I can't remember Wales being in a position when they have been such clear favourites against England," he added.

"But what people have got to remember is this is a different game with different pressures.

"England won't come down to Cardiff and play in the same style as Scotland did against Wales.

"England have got the confidence of a win (against Italy), and while Wales will start as favourites, it's maybe not as clear-cut as people think.

"England know they are not going to cut Wales to pieces, so they will rely on set-pieces, try to spoil Wales' quick ball and then use their ball-carriers like (Joe) Worsley and (Mike) Tindall to get over the gain-line and play a pressure game.

"If they get that platform, then they've got people like Delon Armitage, Mark Cueto and Paul Sackey in their back-three to finish things off.

"If they get a bit of confidence and are creating, it could be a different game, but England have got to improve a lot from the Italy match.

"Wales' set-piece was very good against Scotland - I was impressed with the front-five.

"And Wales generate very quick ball from phase play, so I think they will look to play with a quick tempo that was so evident in last Sunday's game," said Davies, whose regular rugby blogs can be viewed on www.jdsays.com.

SportingLife / Eurosport