Pick your England XV

The 18-year-old centre has been hotly tipped to start the game on 5 February alongside club colleague Jamie Noon.

There were few surprises from Andy Robinson, with Sale flanker Chris Jones among the unlucky players to miss out.

But Tait's rival Henry Paul, who was taken off early in England's last match against Australia, keeps his place.

"It was no easy matter cutting back England's training squad for the championship to just 30," said England coach Andy Robinson.

"The enthusiasm and commitment shown by the players in our training days with Leeds Rhinos at Headingley and at Loughborough University this month, has been tremendous.

"There's a real sense of excitement throughout the squad as we get ready to take on Wales."

A good squad, not many surprises. Am hoping to see him play the Newcastle pair in the centre From FC Have your say on Scrum V

England are without a host of big names for the tournament, among them Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall, Will Greenwood and Martin Corry.

In Wilkinson's absence, Jason Robinson will once more captain the side.

Charlie Hodgson is almost certain to keep his place with Wilkinson injured, while Joe Worsley is likely to step up at number eight for the injured Corry.

Others to miss out from England's original 42-man squad, however, are Matt Stevens, Tom Voyce and Louis Deacon.

The players will assemble next week at England's Surrey training base and Robinson is expected to announce his starting line-up for the Wales game on Monday.

England squad (to face Wales):
Backs: Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks, capt), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Josh Lewsey (Wasps), Iain Balshaw (Leeds), Ben Cohen (Northampton), Mathew Tait (Newcastle), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Ollie Smith (Leicester), Henry Paul (Gloucester), Olly Barkley (Bath), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Matt Dawson (Wasps), Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester), Harry Ellis (Leicester).