George Ford has been selected at flyhalf for England's match against Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Ford will make his first Test start in one of five changes to the side that lost to the Springboks last weekend. Owen Farrell has shifted one out, with Kyle Eastmond missing out on selection completely.

Another casuality to the match-day squad is Danny Care, whose 50th Test appearance was one to forget as he threw the pass that led to Jan Serfontein's intercept try in a scratchy performance. His place in the starting lineup has been taken by Ford's former Leicester teammate Ben Youngs, with Richard Wigglesworth slotting in on the bench.

Up front, Wasps flank James Haskell and Gloucester No 8 Ben Morgan replace Tom Wood and Billy Vunipola in the back row, while Dylan Hartley makes way for Rob Webber at hooker.

'Those selected have a great opportunity to show what they can do against what will be a highly motivated Samoa team,' said coach Stuart Lancaster, who is aiming to halt a run of five successive defeats.

'It's great to give George a start in this series, having missed the summer tour through injury. He has been impressive in camp and now fully up to speed with the game plan and he is ready to run the game.

'Owen switches to 12 and I am sure it will support George well. In the back row, both James and Ben have been in great form and I'm sure they will bring their physical presence to the game.

'Hooker is another competitive position and we believe Rob is ready for the start and will continue the progress he made on the New Zealand tour.'

England – 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Brad Barritt, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 James Haskell, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 David Wilson, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Joe Marler.
Subs: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 George Kruis, 20 Tom Wood, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Billy Twelvetrees, 23 Marland Yarde.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images