With captain Lewis Moody definitely out and Leeds openside Hendre Fourie facing a race against time to prove his fitness, Johnson could call upon Worsley’s services once again.

He said: “We know what Joe can do in Test matches and I remember picking for that game and getting criticised for the selection.

“He went onto to be one of the standout players in the tournament and ended up being a British & Irish Lion.

“He has been playing pretty well for his club recently. Although he did not get a go in the autumn he is certainly right in there in contention to be involved.”

Fourie picked up a calf strain in a match for Leeds and Johnson is hoping the South African born flanker will make a full recovery in time for the showdown at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: “We think Fourie will be fit to train by the end of this week, or if not, early next week.

“Hopefully he will be ready to go.”

Meanwhile centre Mike Tindall has left England’s training base in Portugal to undergo an MRI scan after picking up a knock to his thigh.

Tindall, a candidate for the England captaincy in Moody’s absence, is set to rejoin the squad when they return to England next week.