Four to debut for England

London – Beleaguered England coach Stuart Lancaster yesterday dropped controversial rugby league convert Sam Burgess (above) in a raft of changes for the side’s last World Cup game against Uruguay.

Lancaster has brought in four players for their World Cup debut at the Manchester game on Saturday after which England’s interest in the tournament ends following their humiliating defeats to Wales and Australia.

No immediate reason was given for Burgess’ absence.

Chris Robshaw remains captain despite calls for him to be dropped after the 33-13 whipping by Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Henry Slade, Jack Nowell, Danny Care and Alex Goode will make their first World Cup starts in Saturday’s game at Manchester.

The Rugby Football Union has ordered a review into the World Cup disaster and several strong candidates are already expressing interest in the post.

Lancaster, though, said despite the game having no impact on the line-up for the quarterfinals it offered chances to those who had not played a part so far.

In the pack, Mako Vunipola starts in place of Joe Marler at loosehead prop, with James Haskell and Nick Easter replacing Tom Wood and Ben Morgan in the back row.

Owen Farrell takes over from injured Saracens clubmate Brad Barritt in the No 12 jersey and George Ford – who Lancaster was castigated for dropping for the Wales game – returns at flyhalf.

“Brad Barritt (arm) and Courtney Lawes (knee) are not available this weekend and Ben Morgan (dead leg) and Ben Youngs (ankle) will not be able to train fully until Thursday,” said Lancaster. –