Vickery has just returned from injury

Vickery first skippered England against the Baa Baas a year ago before leading a young side to a 26-18 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires.

And the Gloucester prop has again been handed the honour by coach Clive Woodward after making his return from a back injury against Leeds on Sunday.

"I'm delighted that Phil has made a complete recovery from his long-term injury," said Woodward.

I intend to do everything I can to help the team produce the right result Phil Vickery

"Giving him the captaincy against the Barbarians gives me an excellent opportunity to gauge his match fitness in a tough and demanding match against international opposition.

"From the players that have been announced to date by the Barbarians, I can see that they will give us another very tough game and it's a fixture I'm looking forward to."

Woodward will announce his initial 26-man squad to face the Baa Baas on 15 May.

Jones queries England tactics

The final 22 will be named six days later, along with the squad to tour Australia and New Zealand next month and the A squad to take on Canada and the USA.

Woodward's decision to name Vickery as captain implies that he intends to rest first-choice skipper Martin Johnson for the game against the Barbarians.

"It's an honour to be selected to captain England again," Vickery told the RFU's website.

"I enjoyed the experience against the Baa Baas last year and Argentina on the 2002 summer tour, but I'm fully aware that the appointment is just for this game.

Humphreys in Baa-Baas debut

"I intend to do everything I can to help the team produce the right result against what is shaping up to be a very strong and experienced Barbarians side."