England rugby boss Brian Ashton has handed uncapped Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss a golden chance to press his World Cup claims.

Ashton has named Hopkiss in his starting line-up to face Wales in the first of England's three warm-up matches ahead of their defence of the Webb Ellis Trophy in France.

The 25-year-old is England's solitary newcomer, lining up alongside midfield partner Andy Farrell, who is also battling for World Cup recognition.

And with Ashton opting for a back row of Martin Corry, Joe Worsley and Nick Easter, former captain Lawrence Dallaglio will have to impress from the substitutes' bench.

Phil Vickery will lead a side which includes recalls for fit-again Sale Sharks prop Andrew Sheridan, Harlequins wing David Strettle and Bath captain and lock Steve Borthwick.

Ashton, who is waiting on the fitness of Wasps flanker Tom Rees and Gloucester centre Mike Tindall, must name his final 30-man World Cup squad.

England will complete their World Cup preparations by taking on hosts France home and away.

The England team to face Wales at Twickenham on Saturday:

M Cueto (Sale Sharks); D Strettle (Harlequins), D Hipkiss (Leicester), A Farrell (Saracens), J Robinson (Sale Sharks); J Wilkinson (Newcastle), S Perry (Bristol); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, captain), S Shaw (Wasps), S Borthwick (Bath), M Corry (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps), N Easter (Harlequins).

Substitutes: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Moody (Leicester), L Dallaglio (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), M Tait (Newcastle).