England recall Andrew Sheridan for All Blacks Test

Andrew Sheridan was today recalled by England for their clash with New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

Sale prop Sheridan, who needed shoulder reconstruction surgery last season, replaces London Wasps' Tim Payne, who drops out of the match squad completely and is the only casualty from the England team that defeated Australia 21-20 in the summer.

Sheridan, whose career has been blighted by injury and illness, spent his recovery time writing and recording songs which he recently released on a CD but England fans are more interested in what destruction he can bring to the scrums on Saturday rather than his musical talents.

Injuries to the Wasps trio of Simon Shaw, Riki Flutey and Joe Worsley ruled them all out of consideration but they are hoping to be available to face Australia in two weeks' time.

Leeds hooker Steve Thompson has fought off the challenge of Dylan Hartley while Lewis Moody will captain the team having recovered from an eye injury he suffered playing for Bath last month.