CHARLIE SHARPLES will start for the England Saxons as they bid to defend their Churchill Cup crown against Canada at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium tomorrow.

The Dursley youth product scored after coming on as a replacement in the win over USA before starting against Tonga last week, and has kept his place in the side with fellow winger Topsy Ojo making way for Miles Benjamin.

However, former Winterbourne International Academy pupil Dave Attwood misses out with a knee injury, to put a severe dent in his hopes of making the World Cup squad.

Saxons head coach, Stuart Lancaster, said: "It's disappointing to lose Dave Attwood off the back of three good performances against the Barbarians and in the Churchill Cup but it's a great opportunity for Graham Kitchener. We're confident about what he can deliver having played so well against Italy A at Worcester earlier in the season.

"We've also got a lot of quality options in the backs and as the game progresses we envisage that the players coming off the bench will make a big impact.

"We're aware of the threat that Canada pose. They've played well in their wins against Italy A and Russia. They're a fit, well-coached and organised side who have spent a considerable amount of time together over the last few years. They will fight for the full 80 minutes so we've got a big challenge ahead of us to retain the trophy."