Care survives as Johnson rings changes

(GETTY IMAGES)

Martin Johnson has made three changes to the England team defeated by Ireland.

Lock Simon Shaw, flanker Tom Croft and wing Ugo Monye have all been called into the side to face France at Twickenham this weekend.

It will be Shaw's first start under Johnson, with the veteran Wasp replacing Nick Kennedy in the second row.

James Haskell, who has been guilty of disciplinary problems during this year's Six Nations, is dropped in favour of Croft at blindside.

Monye has been called into the side to replace the injured Paul Sackey, who suffered a calf injury in the defeat to Ireland.

Johnson said Sackey had been dropped on form as much as because of his injury.

"He has got an injury but we wanted to make the change," said Johnson.

"We have good options there but we went with a specialist winger in Ugo.

"He has had injury problems but has come back and looked strong and sharp."

Another notable inclusion in the England line-up is Danny Care, who has survived despite calls for him to be axed following his needless sin-binning in the late stages of the Ireland defeat.

Johnson said on the issue: "He is an important player for us and I don't think he will do that again."

England team to face France:

Delon Armitage (London Irish), Mark Cueto (Sale), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Riki Flutey (Wasps), Ugo Monye (Harlequins); Toby Flood (Leicester), Harry Ellis (Leicester); Andrew Sheridan (Sale), Lee Mears (Bath), Phil Vickery (Wasps), Simon Shaw (Wasps), Steve Borthwick (Saracens), Tom Croft (Leicester), Joe Worsley (Wasps), Nick Easter (Harlequins).

Replacements: Dylan Hartley (Northampton), Julian White (Leicester), Nick Kennedy (London Irish), James Haskell (Wasps), Danny Care (Harlequins), Andy Goode (Brive), Mathew Tait (Sale).