The 26-year-old has been drafted into the team by coach Andy Robinson as replacement for an injured Joe Worsley.

Wasps forward Worsley has not recovered from a dead leg sustained during a English Premiership game against Harlequins last Friday.

And rather than take any risks against Canada, Robinson will allow Hazell to concentrate on regaining full fitness in time for Saturday week's appointment with Tri-Nations champions South Africa.

Hazell's call-up means Leicester's Lewis Moody switches from openside to blindside flanker.

Robinson said: We could have given Joe another couple of days, but I agree with the medical team.

It is sensible for him not to play this weekend, as we don't want to take any chances with his long-term fitness.

Andy Hazell has performed very well over the last few weeks of England training.

I have no problem whatsoever selecting him in the starting XV winning his first cap.

Hazell joins Sale wing Mark Cueto in making his Test debut on Saturday, but 37-times capped Worsley's presence will be crucial against a South African side chasing a clean sweep of victories during their British and Irish trip.

Hazell toured Australia and New Zealand with England last year, playing in the victory over New Zealand Maori although he failed to make England's World Cup squad.

Hazell's earlier representative career included appearances for England A and England Under-21s.

Meanwhile, Saracens captain Hugh Vyvyan has been called up to the England replacements' bench in place of Hazell.