 Armitage scored tries against Wales, Ireland, France and Argentina last year
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Phil Vickery has tipped backs Delon Armitage and Riki Flutey to inspire England in their opening Six Nations clash against Wales on Saturday.
The pair have both recovered from shoulder injuries.
And they are expected to be included in coach Martin Johnson's team to face Wales at Twickenham when it is named on Tuesday lunchtime.
"Riki and Delon are guys with a bit more spark, guys who can talk," said Wasps and England prop Vickery.
Vickery, who is recovering from neck surgery, expects Brive fly-half Flutey to feature against Wales and also backed London Irish full-back Armitage to start ahead of Northampton's Ben Foden.
England are in need of a lift after a series of uninspired displays in last November's Tests when they beat Argentina but lost to Australia and New Zealand.
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Despite that, coach Martin Johnson, who has only six wins from 14 Tests since taking charge in April 2008, has described his Six Nations squad as the best he has had during his tenure.
And World Cup winner Vickery is upbeat about England's chances for the Six Nations.
"I am optimistic. There have been a lot of negative things written about the England team but I am excited. I think it has got the potential to be really good," said Vickery.
"England will come up against the best Welsh team there has been for a long time. They can't be negative.
"Whatever has happened in the past, just bin it. If you are going to play a game plan that is reasonably safe you will not stretch yourselves too much and you will not stretch the opposition. Then you get into a damage limitation exercise.
"England this week should go out, make a real statement and lay their stall out. I am really hopeful."
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