Power play for Martin Johnson as Andrew Sheridan makes return

Martin Johnson has recalled Andrew Sheridan for England's potential Grand Slam decider against France on Saturday, in the only change from the side that hammered Italy.

Sheridan, one of the world's strongest props, has recovered from a back injury to replace London Irish's Alex Corbisiero, who made an impressive Test debut against the Azzurri.

The return of the Sale man is hugely significant for team manager Johnson given that his pack will face a front row who embarrassed Scotland in the opening match of the Six Nations and put Ireland under intense pressure in Dublin.

As revealed by Standard Sport yesterday, Lewis Moody will not make his England return after his knee suffered a reaction to the 23 minutes he played in last week's comeback match for Bath.

That was Moody's first match since damaging knee ligaments five weeks ago and he will now be given intensive treatment to get him ready to face Scotland at Twickenham in a fortnight.

As a result of the flanker's absence, centre Mike Tindall retains the captaincy he has held for the first two matches of the championship while James Haskell stays at No7 for the Twickenham match, having scored a try in the 59-13 win over Italy.

On the bench, the only change sees Bath's David Wilson make way for Corbisiero.

England: B Foden, C Ashton, M Tindall (capt), S Hape, M Cueto, T Flood, B Youngs, A Sheridan, D Hartley, D Cole, T Palmer, L Deacon, T Wood, J Haskell, N Easter. Reps: S Thompson, A Corbiseiro, S Shaw, H Fourie, D Care, J Wilkinson, M Banahan.