Tait has made eight Premiership appearances for Newcastle

Tait is one of three players set to make their England debuts in Dubai, along with Newcastle's Ollie Phillips and Northampton's Neil Starling.

Simon Amor retains the captaincy, while the experienced Pat Sanderson, Rob Thirlby and Paul Sampson also return.

England coach Mike Friday had to select the squad from an initial 18-man group.

"Mathew is the new talent everyone is talking about - he's a very intelligent runner, and he has fantastic pace," said Friday.

"I am also delighted that Paul Sampson has returned from serious injury to regain Sevens recognition, and is back looking sharp in an England shirt."

The uncapped Phillips, 22, was a late replacement for the injured James Bailey of Gloucester.

Friday said: "It's unfortunate that James was not able to earn his first England cap in Dubai but I am confident that there will be further opportunities for him later in the series.

"Ollie is an exciting young player and I am delighted that this will give him the opportunity to step up to the next level and win his first cap."

England have been drawn alongside Scotland, France and Uganda in the pool stages for next week's event in Dubai, which starts on 2 December.

The South Africa Sevens takes place in George on 10-11 December.

England squad: S Amor (Gloucester, capt), G Appleford (London Irish), J Bailey (Gloucester), K Horstmann (Harlequins), U Monye (Harlequins), P Richards (Wasps), T Roques (London Irish), P Sampson (Worcester), P Sanderson (Worcester), N Starling (Northampton), M Tait (Newcastle), R Thirlby (Penzance & Newlyn).