First five Andy Goode has been recalled for his first Test in over two years after being named in England's starting line-up for their Six Nations opener against Italy at Twickenham this weekend.
Goode, only formally added to the squad this week, replaces Toby Flood, who had been struggling with a calf injury.
Flood, Goode's successor at Leicester, started at No.10 in England's last Test, against New Zealand in November.
England manager Martin Johnson also handed a Test debut to London Irish back-row Steffon Armitage, who will line up alongside brother Delon, England's full-back at Twickenham, following injuries to Michael Lipman, Tom Rees and Lewis Moody.
The duo become the first pair of brothers to play in the same England team since Rory and Tony Underwood in the 1990s.
In all, Johnson made five changes to the team beaten 32-6 by the All Blacks on November 29th for what will be his first Six Nations match in charge.
Experienced centre Mike Tindall, who played in the 2003 World Cup-winning team captained by Johnson, replaced Jamie Noon.
Elsewhere in the backs Mark Cueto, playing his first Test since the 2007 World Cup final loss to South Africa, came in for the injured Ugo Monye while up front prop Andrew Sheridan reclaimed his spot from Tim Payne.
Uncapped Ben Foden, who can play at either full-back or scrum-half, was on the bench as were Shane Geraghty and Mathew Tait, both of whom have struggled to nail down a position in the side.
England team to play Italy in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham on Saturday: Delon Armitage; Paul Sackey, Mike Tindall, Riki Flutey, Mark Cueto; Andy Goode, Danny Care; Nick Easter, Steffon Armitage, James Haskell; Nick Kennedy, Steve Borthwick (capt); Phil Vickery, Lee Mears, Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: Dylan Hartley, Julian White, Tom Croft, Joe Worsley, Ben Foden, Shane Geraghty, Mathew Tait.
