Farrell set for centre stage in Australia showdown

Andy Farrell is set to earn a dramatic recall to the England team to face Australia in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Brian Ashton will also bring back skipper Phil Vickery at tight head prop but it is the decision to hand Farrell, the former rugby league star, a pivotal role for the match in Marseille that is the most surprising.

He played at inside centre during training yesterday and is expected to start in that position in place of the disappointing Olly Barkley.

Farrell has already faced the Australians in the 13-man code, and his selection is a reward for his try-scoring cameo from the bench against Tonga.

Vickery missed two pool matches after receiving a ban for tripping an American opponent and had to be content with a replacements role in the win over Tonga that saw England reach the knockout stages.

Matt Stevens, having filled in so well for Vickery, now makes way for the man Ashton appointed England captain for the World Cup.

The head coach has opted for the greater experience of Vickery, who was the England tight head in the 2003 World Cup Final victory over Australia in Sydney.

Joining Farrell in the backs division will be wing Jason Robinson - who scored a try on that historic night four years ago - after his recovery from injury. Mark Cueto misses out because of a calf problem.

Lewis Moody will retain the No7 jersey with Lawrence Dallaglio and Joe Worsley once again on the bench in what will be the biggest match of the World Cup so far.

Meanwhile, a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel is reserving judgement until today on James Haskell (London Wasps) and Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors).

Both players had been cited for illegally making contact with the eyes and eye areas of each other during the Guinness Premiership match at Sixways on 22 September.