England head coach Clive Woodward has made 10 changes from the side that enjoyed a record 43-9 victory over Wales in Cardiff three days ago, and there are opportunities for the likes of Iain Balshaw, Ollie Smith and Paul Grayson.

Woodward described West's elevation to the captaincy as ``well deserved''.

“Although he has captained the England A team earlier this year, this is his first opportunity to lead the senior side in an international. I am confident he will lead by example.”

Balshaw returns to the team for his first start since October 2002, and the French clash will provide a first start for Leicester centre Smith, who made his debut as a replacement against Italy last season.

Woodward has retained the same back row that was on duty against Wales, and there is little doubt that France will provide a major test.

“Saturday’s game is what counts at the moment,” Woodward added.

“It is an important stepping stone as we continue out preparations for the World Cup in October.”

France are likely to field their strongest available line-up but they will encounter several top England stars including wings Josh Lewsey and Ben Cohen, centre Mike Tindall and lock Danny Grewcock.

In the pack, Woodward has retained five of the players that helped demolish Wales.

England team to play France in Marseille on Saturday:

I Balshaw (Bath); J Lewsey (Wasps), O Smith (Leicester), M Tindall (Bath), B Cohen (Northampton); P Grayson (Northampton), A Healey (Leicester); G Rowntree (Leicester), D West (Leicester, capt), J White (Leicester), S Borthwick (Northampton), D Grewcock (Bath), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps).

Replacements: S Thompson (Northampton), J Leonard (Harlequins), S Shaw (Wasps), A Sanderson (Sale), A Gommersall (Gloucester), D Walder (Newcastle), J Noon (Newcastle).