However, after picking up a sternum injury, Strettle failed a late fitness test on the eve of game against France in Paris and made way for Sharples to make his first Test start.

England saw off France 24-22 in his absence but, with Strettle now fully fit, interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has moved quickly to put him back into the starting XV.

Sharples doesn’t even make the bench for the visit of Ireland to Twickenham while Lee Mears comes in for Rob Webber who injured his shoulder in the win over France.

Strettle for Sharples and Mears for Webber are the only changes made by Lancaster, who believes having the latter on the bench could prove vital.

“David Strettle has now recovered from his injury and will replace Charlie Sharples, who gained valuable experience in Paris,” said Lancaster.

“It’s good to have Lee Mears on the bench and he will bring great energy and experience should he get a chance to come on.”

England
15. Ben Foden (Northampton Saints)
14. Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints)
13. Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
12. Brad Barritt (Saracens)
11. David Strettle (Saracens)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
9. Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints)
1. Alex Corbisiero (London Irish)
2. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
4. Mouritz Botha (Saracens)
5. Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt)
8. Ben Morgan (Scarlets)

Replacements
16. Lee Mears (Bath Rugby)
17. Matt Stevens (Saracens)
18. Tom Palmer (Stade Francais)
19. Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints)
20. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
21. Charlie Hodgson (Saracens)
22. Mike Brown (Harlequins)