England recall for Balshaw

The Leeds full-back replaces skipper Jason Robinson, who had a thumb operation last week and is out for a month.

Balshaw, 25, has not played international rugby since March 6 last year, when England lost to Ireland at Twickenham.

He is named in an otherwise unchanged England line-up following a catalogue of injury setbacks which has contributed towards him winning just 22 caps in five years.

''I had a few injuries when I came to Leeds, and I just wanted to get over them,'' said Balshaw.

''I have been working very hard on just getting back and playing consistently, and I have been doing all right recently.

''I've been getting a little bit better with each game, and the confidence is coming. I am feeling sharper and fitter, and I am just very happy to be back playing some decent rugby.''

England head coach Andy Robinson could have switched wing Josh Lewsey to full-back, and called up James Simpson-Daniel or Ollie Smith.

But Balshaw, a 2001 British and Irish Lion in Australia, got the nod. He joined Leeds from Bath last summer, and captained the Tykes during Sunday's Powergen Cup semi-final victory over London Irish.

The Lancastrian now returns to an England side reeling from losing its first three championship games for the first time since 1987, while Italy have also suffered three successive defeats.

Robinson said he had ''little hesitation'' in retaining the side beaten narrowly by Grand Slam-chasing Ireland at Lansdowne Road eight days ago. It will be captained by Leicester No 8 Martin Corry.

Uncapped Bath prop Duncan Bell and Leicester fly-half Andy Goode are again among the substitutes. Bell's club colleague Matt Stevens, who impressed in Dublin, earns another start at tight head.

England, beaten nine times from the last 12 starts, continue to be without injured World Cup stars such as Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall, Will Greenwood, Phil Vickery, Julian White and Richard Hill.

Despite such problems, defeat against Italy cannot be contemplated, as England look to break their points duck while Six Nations silverware is fought for elsewhere.

Off the field, Robinson will not face disciplinary action after he criticised South African referee Jonathan Kaplan following last month's Six Nations clash against Ireland.

The coach could have been hit by a disrepute charge, but RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett has decided Robinson should be reminded ''to avoid making critical comments of match officials during press conferences and interviews.''

* Bernard Lapasset, the man charged with producing a successful World Cup 2007, has promised ''an unforgettable event for the world of rugby''.

Lapasset, president of the French organising committee, was speaking at yesterday's draw for the finals in Paris.

Whilst promoting the benefit to the world game of a successful tournament, Lapasset was also quick to acknowledge the effect it could have on French rugby.

He said: ''World Cup 2007 is going to give us the opportunity to develop rugby in our country.

''The French like football but we are also a rugby country.

''We will prepare for this World Cup an unforgettable event for the world of rugby.

''It will be a great festival, in line with the values of sharing and friendship our sport conveys.''

World champions England will begin their defence of the Webb Ellis Trophy in Lens on September 8, 2007.

England, grouped in Pool A alongside South Africa and three yet-to-be-decided qualifiers, launch the World Cup campaign against Americas 3, which looks likely to be the USA Eagles or Canada.

It will be the tournament's second game, scheduled a day after France kick off the 48-match competition, probably against Argentina, in Paris.

England's pivotal pool appointment with the Springboks is scheduled for September 14 at Stade de France in Paris.

They will conclude the group stages by facing Oceania 1 (probably Samoa or Fiji) in Nantes on September 22, followed by a repechage qualifier (possibly Tonga) at Parc des Princes