David Wilson
Wilson replaces the injured Cole in England's only change.

England have been forced into two changes for the Six Nations clash against Ireland with David Wilson replacing the injured Dan Cole in the front row while George Ford is set for his international debut from the bench.

The Bath fly-half Ford has been included in the match day 23 at the expense of Brad Barrit to strengthen the options at fly half, in the only other alteration from the squad which beat Scotland after Cole was ruled out for the season with a neck injury.

The back-line remains unchanged for a third game in succession as England look to mark their return to Twickenham with a third successive win over Ireland.

Coach Stuart Lancaster said: "We are excited about being back at our home after two games on the road. The Twickenham crowd during the November internationals was superb and I'm sure it'll be the same again on Saturday.

"We have been forced into one change and we wish Dan Cole all the best for his recovery. However, David Wilson is an experienced international with 31 caps and he showed in his three starts against Argentina last year what he can do.

"We've made an active decision to go with George Ford on the bench as we believe that he is ready for the next step in his development and we are confident he will make an impression should he come on."

In order to reignite their championship hopes, England must dismiss an Irish team which possesses a heap of experience, with former British and Irish Lions captains Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell in their ranks, while Jonny Sexton leads an impressive back-line.

The Racing Metro half-back has endured a difficult start to life in France but has come to life in the Six Nations and defensive coach Andy Farrell is wary of the 28 year old's threat.

"The biggest compliment you can give any professional is that they have a good attitude and a winning mentality," said Farrell. "Johnny has those things in abundance. His work ethic and desperation to get the best out of his team really rubs off on people.

"I think he's the leading fly half in Europe. He's an experienced campaigner who's been in a big old battle with Ronan O'Gara for the start of his career. Ronan had over 100 caps for Ireland and won many trophies.

"For Johnny to eventually push him out shows what a competitor he is. The guy's 28 now and he's been there and done that, with the Lions too. He's at the top of his game."

England XV to play Ireland

Mike Brown, Jack Nowell, Luther Burrell, Billy Twelvetrees, Jonny May, Owen Farrell, Danny Care; Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley, David Wilson, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw, Billy Vunipola

Replacements: Tom Youngs, Mako Vunipola, Henry Thomas, David Attwood , Ben Morgan, Lee Dickson, George Ford, Alex Goode