Joe Worsley will make his first start for England since the group stages of the 2007 World Cup after being selected at open-side flanker for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations game against Wales.

Worsley replaces Steffon Armitage, who made his international debut in last Saturday's 36-11 win over Italy but has now dropped out of the match squad altogether.

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Worsley, predominantly a blind-side flanker by trade, has been pressed into action in the number seven jersey after England lost Tom Rees, Lewis Moody and Michael Lipman to injury, while Armitage struggled with the rigours of Test rugby on his debut last weekend.

Worsley played for England at open-side in the World Cup warm-up internationals against Wales and France in the summer of 2007.

Arguably his most famous performance in the position was for Wasps against Martin Johnson's Leicester in the 2005 Guinness Premiership final on the eve of the Lions tour, when he out-played the retiring Neil Back.

Worsley, who started at openside against Samoa on his last appearance in England's starting XV, was left out of Johnson's elite squad for the Six Nations. But he was called in as an injury replacement, after England lost their first three openside flankers to injury, and appeared off the bench in the second half against Italy.

Worsley's last start for England against Wales at the Millennium Stadium lasted all of 39 seconds before he was knocked out by a flying boot.

The Wasps flanker will be hoping to make more of an impact on Saturday when he replaces Steffon Armitage on the open-side as England opt for a beefier physical presence to combat the threat of Wales' key player Martyn Williams.

"The last time I played for England in Cardiff I remember the anthem and the kick-off ... then I remember waking up in the stand," Worsley recalled. "I tried to carry on but I only know that from watching the video. I was like Bambi on ice.

"I have had my injury problems but I have made big strides during this season and I'm getting into good form again.

"It will be difficult. Martyn Williams is a fantastic player and it is a big ask. We're all aware we will have to play a hell of a lot better to have a chance this weekend.

"Desire to win is why people play at this level, and I have been like that - regardless of whether we were favourites or going down to Cardiff as we are now. I go out and play the same."