Robinson, anxious for a vastly-improved display, has called Bath’s Olly Barkley into midfield alongside Jamie Noon, who moves to outside centre.

With Dawson demoted to the bench, Leicester’s precocious talent Harry Ellis will make his first start, while Gloucester’s 44-times-capped Phil Vickery replaces White.

Vickery endured an injury-ravaged time last year but is now back for his first start since England lost to France in Paris more than 10 months ago.

Robinson’s plans for the French game have received a major double boost in the back row.

Flanker Lewis Moody and his Leicester colleague, number eight Martin Corry, have both recovered from hamstring and elbow injuries respectively.

Moody replaces openside flanker Hazell, while Corry’s return means that Joe Worsley moves from number eight to blindside and Jones drops out.

Among the replacements, there is a return for Gloucester’s Henry Paul, who was substituted by Robinson after just 26 minutes of England’s defeat against Australia in November.

The selection represents a radical surgery by the coach, but comes as emphatic confirmation of his disapproval at England’s display against Wales.

Leicester prop Graham Rowntree, meanwhile, will become the latest England player to win 50 caps when he runs out against France.

Reflecting on Ellis’ call-up, Robinson said: “Harry has consistently impressed me with his attitude and ability.

“He came on in the second half against Wales and made his mark, and now I would like to see him start when we take on France.”

As for the back row, Robinson added: “Martin Corry has made a full recovery from his recent elbow injury, and I believe he could have a huge impact on our game. Lewis Moody also had some very strong performances in the autumn internationals and has much to offer at openside.

"This was always going to be the closest Six Nations championship in years, and every country knows there will be no hiding place. But that is the way we like it, and I’m looking forward to Sunday immensely.”

England team to play France in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Twickenham on Sunday:

J Robinson (Sale, capt); M Cueto (Sale), J Noon (Newcastle), O Barkley (Bath), J Lewsey (Wasps); C Hodgson (Sale), H Ellis (Leicester); G Rowntree (Leicester), S Thompson (Northampton), P Vickery (Gloucester), D Grewcock (Bath), B Kay (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps) L Moody (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester).

Replacements: A Titterrell (Sale), A Sheridan (Sale), S Borthwick (Bath, A Hazell (Gloucester), M Dawson (Wasps), H Paul (Gloucester), B Cohen (Northampton).