England boss Clive Woodward today announced a squad of few surprises for the Six Nations Championship showdown with Ireland in Dublin on October 20th.
The majority of Woodward's 30-man group comprises experienced international performers, but there are also places for young Leicester lock Ben Kay, his Tigers team-mate Lewis Moody and the exciting Wasps back Josh Lewsey.
Bath centre Mike Tindall - who only began his comeback from injury two days ago after seven months out - also makes it, with midfield partners Mike Catt and Will Greenwood.
Catt and Greenwood, together with Wasps hooker Phil Greening, have yet to play for their clubs this season, and their fitness will be closely monitored by Woodward and his staff.
Lawrence Dallaglio, Leon Lloyd and Ben Johnston were not considered due to injuries.
Eight players - Michael Stephenson, Charlie Hodgson, Nick Walshe, David Flatman, Mark Regan, Steve Borthwick, Richard Pool-Jones and Pat Sanderson - have been invited to attend training next Monday, alongside those 30 players named by Woodward today.
England squad for Six Nations Championship match v Ireland on October 20th:
Backs:I Balshaw (Bath), M Perry (Bath), D Luger (Harlequins), A Healey (Leicester), J Robinson (Sale), B Cohen (Northampton), W Greenwood (Harlequins), M Catt (Bath), J Lewsey (Wasps), M Tindall (Bath), J Wilkinson (Newcastle), D Walder (Newcastle), M Dawson (Northampton), K Bracken (Saracens)
Forwards:J Leonard (Harlequins), G Rowntree (Leicester), P Vickery (Gloucester), J White (Bristol), P Greening (Wasps), D West (Leicester), M Johnson (Leicester, capt), D Grewcock (Bath), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), R Hill (Saracens), N Back (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), A Sanderson (Sale), J Worsley (Wasps), M Corry (Leicester)