The uncapped Corbisiero, 22, trained with England at Twickenham this morning having spent two days in the camp earlier this week as an injury replacement for Tim Payne (London Wasps).

A former IRB Junior World Championship finalist, he played for England Saxons in the 2010 Churchill Cup and against Italy A and Ireland A earlier this year.

England Team Manager Martin Johnson said: "Sheri has progressed a bit this morning but not enough and we made the call that Alex is starting.

"We have no qualms putting him in there at loose head and starting. David covers loose-head from the bench but Alex has more experience there.

"We trust all the squad to play. I had the conversation with Alex as we walked off the field on Tuesday. He was saying 'thanks for having me in'.

"I told him you are only an injury away from starting and you have got to be ready. He's strong, fit and he can play at this level. He's played against some of the best props in the world in the Premiership."