England on Friday named Lewis Ludlam in place of Billy Vunipola as their No 8 for the World Cup Pool D clash with Japan after his impressive defensive stint against Argentina.
Vunipola has served his two-match suspension for a dangerous tackle against Ireland last month but will start on the bench in Nice in Sunday.
Ludlam, who made 11 tackles after coming on in the second half of the 27-10 defeat of the Pumas, replaces the suspended Tom Curry in the back row.
Curry is banned after his sending-off against Argentina for an illegal challenge.
Coach Steve Borthwick has drafted Kyle Sinckler and Joe Marler into the front row while Ellis Genge drops to the replacements.
Dan Cole, who started against the Pumas, is out of the squad entirely.
Japan, the 2019 World Cup hosts, beat Chile 42-12 in their opener.
The team is in! 🤩
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 15, 2023
Here's your England line-up to face Japan on Sunday🌹
KO: 20:00 BST | Tune in on ITV #ENGvJPN | #RWC2023
ENGLAND (15-1): Freddie Steward; Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl, Courtney Lawes (capt); Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
REPLACEMENTS: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs, Marcus Smith, Ollie Lawrence
COACH: Steve Borthwick (ENG)