Newcastle centre Tait makes only a second tournament start when title-chasing England conclude their RBS 6 Nations campaign against wooden spoon contenders Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

His RBS 6 Nations debut came two years ago, also in Cardiff, during an 11-9 Wales victory that launched a Grand Slam-winning season.

Tait, 18 at the time, found himself on the receiving end of Gavin Hensons shuddering defensive work, and was criticised in some quarters for his performance.

But head coach Ashton said: I thought the criticism of him after the Wales game two years ago was harsh.

I first saw him about five years ago at the national academy, and the first player that came to my mind was Jeremy Guscott.

Tait is a terrific reader of the oppositions defence - he almost always picks the correct line - and that is the sort of thing we are looking for him to do on Saturday.

He is also incredibly quick. He is as quick as anyone in our team.

He is a very good ball player and a very good tackler, and is almost Brian ODriscoll-like with his work in the tackle area in terms of clearing players out and pinching ball.

Tait takes over from an injured Mike Tindall in an enforced change, but full-back Josh Lewseys wavering form means he makes way for a recalled Mark Cueto.

Cuetos 18 previous Test appearances came on the wing, but he now features in a back three alongside fellow proven tryscorers Jason Robinson and David Strettle.

Ashton added: An added bonus with Mark Cueto is that he is the only player in our squad who is naturally left-footed, which makes a massive difference at international level when you have right and left-footed kicking options.

Talking with Josh, he is playing at 15 as he plays on the wing, and that is not how I want a 15 to play.

We had a long, amicable chat about this. Going forward, I see him as a wing at international level.

Captain Phil Vickery (concussion), fly-half Jonny Wilkinson (hamstring) and centre Andy Farrell (back) were all unavailable for selection, and in Wilkinsons case that now means him missing a 32nd out of Englands last 35 Tests.

Toby Flood will continue in the number 10 shirt after an impressive full debut against France, although Flood (leg), stand-in skipper Mike Catt (hamstring) and number eight Nick Easter (neck) have yet to train this week at Englands Bath University base.

Ashton said: Jonny needs to get himself fit and ready to play again. I am sure he is looking forward to a run of games between now and the end of the season.

And when Andy Farrell gets back playing for his club, we will look and see what sort of form he is in.

He has had some unfair criticism from a lot of people, a lot of whom should know better.

Andy has been one of our more consistent performers, which is quite an achievement at international level given he has hardly played any rugby union.