Jones is one of four 'squad captains' in the team

The 25-year-old Llanelli Scarlets fly-half becomes the sixth on-field skipper chosen by Hansen in his 18 months in charge, following Scott Quinnell, Colin Charvis, Jonathan Humphreys, Martyn Williams and Gareth Thomas.

All of Wales' four 'squad captains' - Robin McBryde, Martyn Williams, Charvis and Jones - are selected in the team as Wales make 14 changes from the side that lost 35-12 to Ireland last week.

Sonny Parker comes in at inside centre to play his first game in six months after recovering from a broken arm.

There is also a chance for Chris Wyatt to bid for a World Cup spot in the second row alongside Robert Sidoli.

Jones hails England depth

Wales are bidding to end a record 10-game losing run against a second-string England side, who are hoping to continue a 13-match winning streak.

Jones was delighted to be named captain, but does not expect to get the job full time.

"Martyn (Williams) is the main captain," said Jones, "He leads from the front, and all the boys respect him.

"I would say that he is in pole position to be captain in the World Cup - he will be favourite for that role and he deserves it."

Wales wing Mark Jones was in no doubt about the size of the task facing his team.

I feared for my World Cup chances Wales centre Sonny Parker

"There's no such thing as a friendly against England," he told BBC Wales Sport, "They've brought a strong team and are coming looking for a win on our ground.

"They have an inexperienced back line and we're hoping our boys will gel a little quicker."

Sonny's delight

Who will make Wales' World Cup squad?

Celtic Warriors centre Sonny Parker, who is contending with Iestyn Harris to be Wales' first-choice inside centre, was delighted to be back in action.

"It's been frustrating, but I'm looking forward to Saturday," he said, "I feared for my World Cup chances, but the management have been very positive with me.

"England will be a great challenge, but I'm proud to be a part of the occasion.

"I have a totally different style of play to Iestyn (Harris), but I've got a lot of respect for him."

Wales: R Williams (Cardiff Blues); M Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), M Taylor (Llanelli Scarlets), S Parker (Celtic Warriors), G Thomas (Celtic Warriors); S Jones (Llanelli Scarlets, capt), G Cooper (Celtic Warriors); I Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), R McBryde (Llanelli Scarlets), G Jenkins (Celtic Warriors), R Sidoli (Celtic Warriors), C Wyatt (Llanelli Scarlets), C Charvis (unattached), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), D Jones (Llanelli Scarlets).
Replacements: G Williams (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), J Thomas (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), G Thomas (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), M Phillips (Llanelli Scarlets), G Henson (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues).

England: D Scarbrough (Leeds); J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), J Noon (Newcastle), S Abbott (Wasps), D Luger (Perpignan); A King (Wasps), A Gomarsall (Gloucester); J Leonard (Harlequins, capt), M Regan (Leeds), J White (Leicester), D Grewcock (Bath), S Shaw (Wasps), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps).
Replacements: Dorian West (Leicester), Austin Healey (Leicester), Ollie Smith (Leicester), Will Green (Wasps), Steve Borthwick (Bath), Alex Sanderson (Sale Sharks), Dave Walder (Newcastle Falcons).