Flood ready for crunch game

Toby Flood is braced for the weight of expectation that will accompany his full England debut at Twickenham on Sunday.

Flood, whose four previous Test match appearances have all come off the replacements' bench, takes over from an injured Jonny Wilkinson against RBS 6 Nations title favourites France.

"I can understand that people will say there is a heavy responsibility on my shoulders," said Flood. "But, of course, there is responsibility there because you are playing for your country, and I will also have guys like Mike Catt and Martin Corry around, who are massively experienced."

The return of Catt, especially, is pivotal to England's chances of upsetting the formbook and defeating France for the first time since the 2003 World Cup semi-final success in Sydney.

And Newcastle star Flood has recent first-hand experience of exactly the type of influence Catt can have on a game, having seen him guide London Irish to an emphatic Guinness Premiership victory over the Falcons just four days ago.

Asked how he hoped Catt would make his presence felt, Flood replied: "Pretty much like he did against us at the weekend.

"He was fantastic, and obviously I will be looking for him to give me some guidance on Sunday, but I have got to stand on my own two feet as well.

"There is a phenomenal amount of talent in the [England] back-line, and I am looking forward to maybe launching it, which would be fantastic."