Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

England have dropped number eight Thomas Waldrom, flanker Tom Johnson and wing Charlie Sharples for Saturday's Test against South Africa.

Prop Joe Marler is also out after straining medial ligaments in his knee in the 20-14 defeat against Australia.

quote The changes give opportunities to those who have been pushing hard and we feel will add energy and balance to the team Stuart Lancaster England head coach

Ben Morgan and James Haskell are both set to feature in the match-day squad for the first time this autumn.

London Irish centre Jonathan Joseph is also back, in place of Sharples, after shaking off an ankle injury.

With Chris Ashton the only specialist wing left in the squad, either Joseph, who could also play at centre, Manu Tuilagi or full-back Mike Brown could start in the number 11 shirt.

Morgan is favourite to replace Waldrom at number eight after scoring a hat-trick of tries for Gloucester last weekend, while Haskell has also played in the centre of the back row for England before.

Flanker Tom Wood, who impressed after coming on for the last half-hour against Australia, is also set to return to the starting line-up.

Alex Corbisiero will also return after overcoming a knee injury and could start at loose-head, with Mako Vunipola likely to remain on the bench.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "The changes give opportunities to those who have been pushing hard and we feel will add energy and balance to the team.

"Unfortunately that means one or two players miss out who were in the match-day squad against Australia.

"But they have all added value with their contributions in training and the games and I am sure they will be looking to play well for their clubs and force their way back in."

Lancaster will confirm his starting XV on Thursday.

England squad to face South Africa:

Forwards: Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), David Wilson (Bath Rugby); David Paice (London Irish), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers); Mouritz Botha (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Tom Palmer (London Wasps), Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers); James Haskell (London Wasps), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints).

Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Alex Goode (Saracens), Chris Ashton (Saracens), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Jonathan Joseph (London Irish), Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).