Jonny Wilkinson was named on Tuesday in the England team to play Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations rugby international after overcoming a "muscle tightness" problem.

The fly-half is in a starting side unchanged from the one that struggled to beat Italy 17-12 in Rome last weekend when Wilkinson, who unusually missed three goal-kicks, was much criticised for failing to ignite England's backs.

England manager Martin Johnson did make changes to his bench as he opted for a split of four forwards and three backs.

Lee Mears, who didn't feature in the November Tests through injury, replaced Steve Thompson as reserve hooker.

Meanwhile experienced back-rower Joe Worsley, fit again after a knee injury, replaced Steffon Armitage and Northampton fullback Ben Foden came onto the bench instead of replacement prop Matt Mullan.

In last year's corresponding fixture, Ireland beat England 14-13 in Dublin.

England: Delon Armitage; Mark Cueto, Mathew Tait, Riki Flutey, Ugo Monye; Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Care; Nick Easter, Lewis Moody, James Haskell; Steve Borthwick (capt), Simon Shaw; Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley, Tim Payne. Res: Lee Mears, David Wilson, Louis Deacon, Joe Worsley, Paul Hodgson, Toby Flood, Ben Foden.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP