Ben Te'o has been preferred to Jonathan Joseph in England's midfield for their opening Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome.
Eddie Jones has handed Te'o only his second start in an England shirt -- his previous coming in the corresponding fixture last season -- and the British & Irish Lion will wear the No. 13 shirt as he partners Owen Farrell in the centres.
Elsewhere, both Mike Brown and Chris Robshaw have been passed fit to start, while Sam Simmonds is given the nod at No. 8.
Hooker Dylan Hartley will once again captain the side on his 90th cap, while prop Alec Hepburn could make his Test debut from the bench.
"I have selected the strongest available side to play Italy this weekend and the players are excited to play in Rome," Jones said.
"Our preparation over the last two weeks has been excellent and the players feel refreshed. We want to start the tournament well and are ready to go hunting against Italy."
England team to play Italy:
Brown, Watson, Te'o, Farrell, May, Ford, Youngs; M. Vunipola, Hartley (captain), Cole, Launchbury, Itoje, Lawes, Robshaw, Simmonds.
Replacements: George, Hepburn, Williams, Kruis, Underhill, Care, Jospeh, Nowell.