In the only change to the side that slipped to a brave 23-15 loss to Wales at the Millennium Stadium, Flood replaces Andy Goode for the clash at Croke Park.

Flood's selection means England have changed their fly-half seven times in the last 10 matches and fielded a different player in the position for their last six Tests against Ireland.

The World Cup finalists were humbled 43-13 on their first visit to Croke Park in 2007 as Ireland celebrated one of the most memorable moments in their sporting history.

The odds are stacked against Martin Johnson's side - not only are Ireland superior in just about every department, they are also desperate to avoid losing to the English at the home of Gaelic sport.

For the first time since 1983 Ireland have named the same side for three successive matches with Paddy Wallace holding off the challenge of Gordon D'Arcy at inside centre once again.

Declan Kidney's team top the RBS 6 Nations table after dispatching France and Italy and have shown a hard-nosed attitude to winning that has eluded them in the past.

They have the most experienced side in the championship, yet it is relative rookies Jamie Heaslip, Tommy Bowe, Luke Fitzgerald, Stephen Ferris and Rob Kearney who have grabbed the headlines so far.

The Irish camp have avoided talk of a first Grand Slam since 1948 at all costs, but victory over England would bring it another step closer to reality.