However, after his abysmal performance with the boot in the 28-28 draw with Wales two weeks ago, the Wasps winger will be allowed to concentrate solely on his own game. Fly-half Duncan Hodge, who landed the final conversion to tie the Welsh game, will instead be handed the kicking responsibilities.

As expected, Edinburgh Reivers back row Simon Taylor who recently returned to action after a hand injury is recalled, with Jon Petrie dropping to the bench.

There is also a first Six Nations start for Glasgow Caledonians utility back Alan Bulloch younger brother of hooker Gordon who comes in for James McLaren at outside centre.

Bulloch’s centre partnership with Northampton’s experienced threequarter John Leslie will be vital to Scotland’s hopes of repelling the English attack.

The visitors have not won at Twickenham since a 22-12 win in 1983 and are long odds against breaking their duck on this visit south.

England put 80 points past Italy a fortnight ago, while last season’s Calcutta Cup triumph represents Scotland’s only success over a major nation since McGeechan took charge immediately after the 1999 World Cup.

Scotland team to face England in the Lloyds TSB Six Nations international at Twickenham on Saturday (2.30pm).

C Paterson (Edinburgh Reivers); C Murray (Edinburgh Reivers), A Bulloch (Glasgow Caledonians), J Leslie (Northampton), K Logan (Wasps); D Hodge (Edinburgh Reivers), A Nicol (Glasgow Caledonians, capt); T Smith (Brive), G Bulloch (Glasgow Caledonians), M Stewart (Northampton), S Murray (Saracens), R Metcalfe (Edinburgh Reivers), M Leslie (Edinburgh Reivers), B Pountney (Northampton), S Taylor (all Edinburgh Reivers).

Replacements: S Scott (Edinburgh Reivers), G McIlwham (Glasgow Caledonians), S Grimes (Newcastle), J Petrie (Glasgow Caledonians), B Redpath (Sale), J McLaren (Glasgow Caledonians), J Craig (Glasgow Caledonians).