And Street maintains his side – which includes 689 caps and seven players from the 2006 World Cup campaign – have the temparement to see off what will be a very strong Ireland team.

He said: “The prospect of playing our first game is really exciting. We know our preparations have been excellent and now we are just looking forward to kicking off our World Cup campaign

“This is a strong squad, as the number of caps highlights, and the important thing for me is that we have never deviated from making sure we have had their strength from one to 26.

“Ireland have got some good forwards and some skilful backs. They are also very competitive in the line out. We are certainly expecting this to be a tough opener, but at the same time we are confident in our ability.”

England
15 Danielle Waterman Worcester
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
13 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
12 Rachael Burford Richmond
11Fiona Pocock Richmond
10 Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
9 Amy Turner Richmond
1 Rochelle Clark Team Northumbria
2 Amy Garnett Saracens
3 Sophie Hemming Bristol
4 Becky Essex Richmond
5 Jo McGilchrist Wasps
6 Heather Fisher Worcester
7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
8 Catherine Spencer Bristol

Replacements:
16 Emma Crocker Richmond
17 Claire Purdy Wasps
18 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
19 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
20 La Toya Mason Wasps
21 Alice Richardson Richmond
22 Charlotte Barras Saracens