FORMER Worcester Warriors hooker Jack Singleton is set to provide back row cover for England’s clash with Wales in Cardiff on Saturday (2.15pm).

Singleton is among three recognised hookers selected in the matchday squad with Luke Cowan-Dickie retaining his place in the starting line-up and Jamie George on the bench.

Wearing the number 20 jersey, Singleton looks set to show his versatility at the Principality Stadium.

But playing in a different position is not completely unfamiliar to the 23-year-old who briefly went into the back row after replacing lock Joe Launchbury in the dying seconds of England’s victory over Wales last Sunday.

It was Singleton’s first senior international appearance and came after a solid final season with Warriors.

He is set to join Saracens after the Rugby World Cup.

On the decision to select three hookers, forwards coach Steve Borthwick told the Independant: "Sam (Underhill) took a knock last week and is not ready.

“Tom (Curry) took a knock in the game and isn't ready and Mark WIlson took a bang to the ribs and isn't ready for this.

“Luckily we've got three very good hookers and Jack is versatile enough that he can cover."

Head coach Eddie Jones has made three changes to the starting XV that played last weekend. Maro Itoje will go into the second row while Courtney Lawes will play at blindside flanker with Lewis Ludlam moving to openside.

Wing Ruaridh McConnochie will start his first England game after recovering from injury.

Owen Farrell, George and Kyle Sinckler are included in the match day 23 for the first time in this series of matches ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Jones said: “Our selection strategy for our second game is similar to the first, so a bit of a mix-and-match approach.

“We are looking at different combinations and have a particular strategy for this game.

“The game is very much about ourselves preparing for the World Cup and we are respectful that we have got such strong opposition at their home ground. We are looking forward to it.

“The squad has been progressing well this week and I think there is a realisation among the squad now that the hard work really starts, nothing has been achieved.”

England: Daly; McConnochie, Joseph, Francis, Cokanasiga, Ford, Heinz, Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Cole, Launchbury, Itoje, Lawes, Ludlam, Vunipola.

Replacements: George, Marler, Sinckler, Kruis, Singleton, Youngs, Farrell, Tuilagi.