Corbisiero set to get England nod

Alex Corbisiero
12 April 2012

Alex Corbisiero's inclusion at loosehead prop is expected to be the only change to England's team for the Calcutta Cup showdown with Scotland on Sunday.

The London Irish prop is in line to win his third cap in place of Andrew Sheridan, who tore his calf in England's 17-9 victory over France and is out for the remainder of the tournament.

Further changes are likely on the bench when manager Martin Johnson confirms his line-up at midday, with flanker Tom Croft and prop Paul Doran-Jones both in line for selection. Johnson must also decide whether to recall Courtney Lawes, who returned from knee ligament damage for Northampton last week and declared himself fit to tackle the Scots.

Veteran lock Simon Shaw provided the second row cover in the victories over Wales, Italy and France but he has been hampered by a groin injury.

Croft has been sidelined from England duty since fracturing his shoulder against South Africa in the final international of the autumn campaign.

The Leicester flanker has overtaken Hendre Fourie in England's selection plans since proving his fitness in three appearances for the Tigers.

But the form shown by flankers Tom Wood and James Haskell in Croft's absence during the RBS 6 Nations makes it likely that Johnson will name him among the replacements.

Doran-Jones is in contention to provide the front-row back-up with Sheridan out and David Wilson having struggled recently with an ankle injury.

England are unbeaten after three RBS 6 Nations fixtures for the first time since they last completed the Grand Slam, when Johnson was captain in 2003.

Johnson's men are hot favourites to despatch the Scots, who have not won at Twickenham since 1983 and head into the game on the back of defeats to France, Wales and Ireland.

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