World Cup places on the line - Wood

Tom Wood has set the scene for England's clash with France at Twickenham on Saturday by warning his teammates their World Cup dream is at stake.

Wood is set to captain England for the first of three warm-up games leading into this year’s World Cup knowing performances over the next few weeks may decide who is picked for the last few available spaces in Stuart Lancaster's 31-man squad.

Uncapped trio Sam Burgess, Henry Slade and Calum Clark are hoping to catch the eye having been handed their international debuts, while George Kruis and Kieran Brookes - two players perceived to be on the fringes of selection – also start.

"France is a massive game in its own right and we will be treating it like a full-blooded Test match, but there will also be World Cup places up for grabs, everything on the line," Wood said.

‘For some people, it is effectively a final - if you don't play well, you're going home. That is the reality of it, so it will be full on.”

One player whom the spotlight will shine brightest on will be Sam Burgess, who is making his England debut 10 months after switching codes from rugby league.

Despite having produced his best rugby at blindside flanker for Bath last season, the 26-year-old has been assigned to inside centre by Stuart Lancaster for Saturday’s game despite doubts persisting over Burgess’ suitability for the position, and Wood acknowledges judgment awaits on Saturday.

"It is time to see it," Wood said. "There is no question of his pedigree, his temperament or his composure. Instead, it is 'are his instincts up to scratch at Test level in union?'

"That is a question hopefully he will answer positively on Saturday. He has been great in training.”

"He is a tremendous athlete, he is good around the lads, so it is just about proving a point on the field."