England v Samoa
England continue to seek their first autumn victory against Samoa. Getty Images

England face Samoa in the third match of their autumn programme at Twickenham.

Where to Watch

Kick-off is at 7pm and is live on Sky Sports 2HD on Saturday 22 November.

Live commentary is available on BBC Radio Five Live. Highlights are on BBC Two at 1pm on Sunday, 23 November.

Overview

Having lost each of their last five games, England have lost the momentum generated during their stirring Six Nations campaign earlier this year, and coach Stuart Lancaster's meticulous plans lie in tatters.

England produced a spirited display in losing to the All Blacks but their performance against South Africa last weekend was altogether more disjointed. The margins of defeat may have been identical, but the mood after the two matches was completely different.

With only 10 matches remaining until the World Cup, Lancaster will use Samoa as an opportunity to test the depth of his squad and attempt to restore some confidence, after five chastening encounters against the world's top two teams.

George Ford, Ben Youngs and Ben Morgan are all expected to be handed starts while James Haskell has also returned to bolster the back row. Danny Care, Kyle Eastmond and Billy Vunipola have dropped out.

Samoa's preparation for their first visit to Twickenham since 2010 has been turbulent to say the least. Up until Tuesday the fixture was in huge doubt after the entire playing squad threatened to boycott the match due to concerns over the Samoa Rugby Union's administrative approach. After being threatened with expulsion from the World Cup, the players have backed down, but discontent remains.

On the field, however, a rapidly improving Samoa side have lost just one of their last five matches and are perfectly placed to inflict more misery on England.

Teams

England: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs, Joe Marler, Rob Webber, David Wilson, Dave Attwood, Courtney Lawes, James Haskell, Chris Robshaw (c), Ben Morgan.

Replacements: Dylan Hartley, Matt Mullan, Kieran, Brookes, George Kruis, Tom Wood, Richard Wigglesworth, Billy Twelvetrees, Marland Yarde

Samoa: Ken Pisi, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee-Lo, Johnny Leota, David Lemi, Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali'i, Ofisa Treviranus, Jack Lam, Maurie Fa'asavalu, Kane Thompson, Filo Paulo, Census Johnston, Ti'i Paulo, Zak Taulafo

Replacements: Manu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Anthony Perenise, Fa'atiga Lemalu, Dan Leo, TJ Ioane, Pete Cowley, Mike Stanley

What the coaches say

Stuart Lancaster: "We have 10 games to go until the World Cup. Because of the nature of this group, we are going to be learning all the way to the tournament. I don't subscribe to the fact that there is a big problem looming ahead.

"When criticism does come, you have to accept it for what it is. More importantly, you have to keep everything in perspective in terms of what you are trying to do and what you are trying to achieve. Saturday is a chance for players to put their hands up for the Australia game. You want to judge players at the highest level. Samoa will be a different challenge, and a tough one."

Stephen Betham: