• Strettle is only change to side that beat France in Paris • Stuart Lancaster: 'We hope we can do the nation proud'

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

David Strettle has returned to the England team for Saturday's Six Nations finale in place of Charlie Sharples after recovering from a sternum injury.

Strettle's inclusion is the only change to the England starting lineup that laid the foundations for their 24-22 victory over France in Paris. He was forced to pull out of the Paris match after the injury he first sustained against Italy flared up again in training.

England's interim coach, Stuart Lancaster, has made one change on the bench, with the Bath hooker Lee Mears set for his first appearance of the championship in place of the injured Rob Webber.

Lancaster said: "David Strettle has now recovered from his injury and will replace Charlie Sharples, who gained valuable experience in Paris. And it's good to have Lee Mears on the bench: he will bring great energy and experience should he get a chance to come on."

If Mears comes on at Twickenham, England will have used just 27 players during their Six Nations campaign.

Phil Dowson also makes the bench again despite being knocked out in the closing stages of England's victory over France.

Wales's superior points difference of plus 38 leaves them with a strong grip on the Six Nations title. For England to wrestle the title off them, Lancaster's men must put Ireland to the sword and hope France wreck Wales's grand slam party with a comprehensive victory at the Millennium Stadium.

Although that is unlikely, Lancaster is proud of what his new-look England side have achieved during their campaign.

"It seems like yesterday when we got together in Leeds in January and began a new journey for England rugby," Lancaster said. "Graham Rowntree, Andy Farrell and myself firmly believe in this group of players and the direction we are going.

"Saturday is another step on that road and we are looking forward to coming home to a packed Twickenham with its special atmosphere and crowd. Their support has been phenomenal and we hope we can do the whole nation proud again."

England team to play Ireland, 17 March – 5pm

B Foden; C Ashton (both Northampton Saints), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), B Barritt, D Strettle; O Farrell (all Saracens), L Dickson (Northampton Saints); A Corbisiero (London Irish), D Hartley (Northampton Saints), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), M Botha (Saracens), G Parling, T Croft (both Leicester Tigers), C Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), B Morgan (Scarlets).

Replacements L Mears (Bath), M Stevens (Saracens), T Palmer (Stade Français), P Dowson (Northampton Saints), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers), C Hodgson (Saracens), M Brown (Harlequins).