England boss Sir Clive Woodward has gone for experience and recalled Northampton’s Paul Grayson, who was unavailable for the Wales game because of injury.

Grayson’s return is one of two changes, with Wasps flanker Joe Worsley called up instead of the injured Chris Jones.

Sale Sharks forward Jones was forced off with a wrist problem early in the second half against Wales. He had a scan yesterday but has been ruled unfit.

Worsley’s promotion off the bench means that experienced Leicester back row forward Martin Corry features in England’s 22 for the first time since the World Cup.

Barkley’s omission will come as a surprise to many, but Grayson has amassed 400 Test points in his career and offers a steadying influence at number 10.

England must beat France by a minimum of seven points to have any chance of retaining their Six Nations crown.

France, who are chasing the Grand Slam, will go in as favourites given that they have home advantage and have produced more consistent form than England have in this competition.

There is also the added incentive of avenging their World Cup semi-final defeat against Woodward’s men in Sydney last November.

ENGLAND: J Robinson (Sale); J Lewsey (Wasps), W Greenwood (Harlequins), M Tindall (Bath), B Cohen (Northampton); P Grayson (Northampton), M Dawson (Northampton); T Woodman (Gloucester), S Thompson (Northampton), P Vickery (Gloucester), D Grewcock (Bath), B Kay (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps), R Hill (Saracens), L Dallaglio (Wasps, capt).

Replacements: M Regan (Leeds), J White (Leicester), S Borthwick (Bath), M Corry (Leicester), A Gomarsall (Gloucester), M Catt (Bath), J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester).