The London Irish full-back returns to the side after missing the autumn internationals with a shoulder injury and is one of six changes made by England manager Martin Johnson from the 19-6 defeat to New Zealand in November.

Centre Riki Flutey is back in the starting XV after suffering a shoulder injury, back-row Nick Easter reclaims the No.8 jersey while Mathew Tait – who will celebrate his 24th birthday on the day of the game - will line up alongside Flutey in midfield.

Danny Care partners Jonny Wilkinson at half-back at the expense of Paul Hodgson while David Wilson is back in the team at prop.

Uncapped Leicester prop Dan Cole has earned a place on the bench.

England team to face Wales at Twickenham: Delon Armitage (London Irish); Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks), Riki Flutey (CA Brive), Ugo Monye (Harlequins); Jonny Wilkinson (RC Toulon), Danny Care (Harlequins); Tim Payne (London Wasps), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), David Wilson (Bath Rugby), Simon Shaw (London Wasps), Steve Borthwick (Saracens, captain), James Haskell (Stade Francais), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Nick Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: Steve Thompson (CA Brive), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), Steffon Armitage (London Irish), Paul Hodgson (London Irish), Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers), Ben Foden (Northampton Saints).