Toby Flood has been handed a dramatic late call-up by England coach Martin Johnson to face France at centre

Flood is to start the match alongside fly-half Jonny Wilkinson at inside centre as a replacement for Mike Tindall in a bold move by England manager Martin Johnson as his side aim to book a place in the semi-finals for the third tournament in succession.

Tindall, who has been the centre of the off-field controversy that has marred England’s campaign, has sat out training so far this week as he recovers from a dead leg he sustained against Scotland and will not be risked against France.

Flood, who hasn’t started a match for England at inside centre since the 30-17 victory over Wales in the Six Nations at Twickenham in February 2010, came off the bench to play at 12 during the final World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in August and in the final pool victory over Scotland at Eden Park last Saturday. More Read

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