The Leeds full-back replaces skipper Jason Robinson, who underwent a thumb operation last week and faces four weeks on the sidelines.

England head coach Andy Robinson has otherwise retained the same starting line-up and replacements' bench following the 19-13 defeat against Grand Slam-chasing Ireland in Dublin last time out, with Leicester number Martin Corry taking over as captain.

Uncapped Bath prop Duncan Bell and Leicester fly-half Andy Goode are again among the substitutes, with Bell's club colleague Matt Stevens, who impressed in Dublin, earning another start at tighthead.

Balshaw, 25, has not played international rugby since March 6 last year when England lost to Ireland at Twickenham.

He won the first of his 22 caps in 2000, but subsequently suffered a catalogue of injuries that stalled progress at club and representative levels.

Balshaw, a member of Englands 2003 World Cup squad, said: I had a few injuries when I came to Leeds, and I just wanted to get over them.

I have been working very hard on just getting back and playing consistently, and I have been doing all right recently.

Ive been getting a little bit better with each game, and the confidence is coming. I am feeling sharper and fitter, and I am just very happy to be back playing some decent rugby.

Balshaw, who joined Leeds from Bath in the summer, also starred for England A in their impressive victory over France A last month, scoring a try.

I congratulate Iain in returning to the starting line-up this week, said Robinson.

He is playing well for Tykes and he put in an impressive performance for England A.

England team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Twickenham on Saturday.

I Balshaw (Leeds); M Cueto (Sale Sharks), J Noon (Newcastle), O Barkley (Bath), J Lewsey (Wasps); C Hodgson (Sale Sharks), H Ellis (Leicester); G Rowntree (Leicester), S Thompson (Northampton), M Stevens (Bath), D Grewcock (Bath), B Kay (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps), L Moody (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester, capt).

Replacements: A Titterrell (Sale Sharks), D Bell (Bath), S Borthwick (Bath), A Hazell (Gloucester), M Dawson (Wasps), A Goode (Leicester), O Smith (Leicester).