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England have recalled fly-half Toby Flood for the Six Nations clash with Ireland at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday.

The Leicester stand-off (pictured) replaces Brive's Andy Goode as the one change to the team that lost 23-15 to Wales two weeks ago.

England manager Martin Johnson has also made one change on his bench, where Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care, fit again after an ankle injury, returns for Paul Hodgson.

Care will provide cover for Harry Ellis, who retains the number nine jersey, while Goode drops down to the bench, meaning there is no squad place again for Danny Cipriani.

Flood's recall means England have now changed their fly-half seven times in their last 10 matches.

Goode was recalled for the Six Nations opener with England because Flood had a calf injury and Cipriani was struggling with form.

The number 10 jersey has been worn by Goode, Flood, Cipriani, Jonny Wilkinson and Charlie Hodgson in the last 12 months.

Johnson enjoyed the most successful years of his international career with Wilkinson cemented as England's fly-half and he is anxious for one of his candidates to keep hold of the jersey.

"You want players to nail down the position. We need a core of players who when we pick the side are consistent in international rugby," said Johnson.

"There are a few positions which have been chopped and changed for various reasons and this is Toby's opportunity to take hold of it with a goo performance.

"Toby's kicking game has been very good when he has come on, his defence has improved as has his grasp of what we are trying to do in attack and his distribution has been good.

"We have seen a bit more composure from him this season. This is a chance for Toby to come in and get a start.

"I thought he did well when he started there against the All Blacks (in November) and this is an opportunity to nail down the position."

Johnson has kept faith with 21 of the match-day squad that produced an improved performance in Cardiff despite going down to champions Wales.

Wasps back-rower Joe Worsley is retained on the openside flank in an unchanged pack following his man-of-the-match performance against Wales.

Worsley normally plays blindside or number eight for his club, but his outstanding defensive performance in Cardiff was one of the main reasons England remained in contention until late in the game.

Packing down in the back-row with Worsley are number eight Nick Easter and James Haskell, who recently announced his move to Stade Francais next season.

Saracens lock Steve Borthwick keeps the captain's armband despite recent criticism of his performances.

England are third in the Six Nations table, having won their opener with Italy before going down to Wales.

England: 15-Delon Armitage, 14-Paul Sackey, 13-Mike Tindall, 12-Riki Flutey, 11-Mark Cueto, 10-Toby Flood, 9-Harry Ellis; 8-Nick Easter, 7-Joe Worsley, 6-James Haskell, 5-Nick Kennedy, 4-Steve Borthwick (capt), 3-Phil Vickery, 2-Lee Mears, 1-Andrew Sheridan.

Replacements: 16-Dylan Hartley, 17-Julian White, 18-Tom Croft, 19-Luke Narraway, 20-Danny Care, 21-Andy Goode, 22-Mathew Tait.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport