London: England have recalled tighthead prop David Wilson and included uncapped outside-half George Ford on the bench for their Six Nations international against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wilson went straight into the starting XV after Dan Cole was ruled out with a season-ending neck injury.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Bath playmaker Ford was included among the replacements instead of centre Brad Barritt to give England specialist cover for first-choice fly-half Owen Farrell.

“We have been forced into one change and we wish Dan Cole all the best for his recovery,” said England coach Stuart Lancaster after naming his side on Thursday.

“However, David Wilson is an experienced international with 31 caps and he showed in his three starts against Argentina last year what he can do.”

Turning to Ford, Lancaster added: “It’s great to have George involved. He has settled in well and we are confident in his ability should he get his opportunity from the bench.”

Wilson has played just 47 minutes of rugby during the past two months, all of it during Bath’s 27-23 English Premiership victory over Exeter on Saturday.

The 28-year-old suffered a calf injury during a training game in December and his return to action was delayed further by back problems.

He now faces the daunting task of going up against Ireland and Lions prop Cian Healy at the scrum.

But with replacement tighthead Henry Thomas still deemed too much of an international novice, Wilson has been drafted in.

Lancaster admitted on Monday that England are “not in an ideal situation” while Wilson himself is unsure how long he will last at Twickenham.

Saturday’s match will be England’s first at their Twickenham headquarters during the current edition of the Six Nations after they suffered a narrow 26-24 loss to France in Paris before overpowering Scotland 20-0 in Edinburgh last time out.

Ireland, who were due to announce their side on Thursday evening, will arrive in London eyeing a Grand Slam following comprehensive home wins over both Scotland (28-6) and defending champions wales (26-3).

However, Ireland have lost their last three Tests against England.

“We are excited about being back at our home after two games on the road,” Lancaster said.

“The Twickenham crowd during the November internationals was superb and I’m sure it’ll be the same again on Saturday.”