Number eight Martin Corry has been named England captain for their next RBS Six Nations match against Italy. The Leicester back-rower takes over from Jason Robinson, who will miss the final two games with a thumb injury.
Corry has been in outstanding form in England's last two matches against France and Ireland after returning from six weeks out with a dislocated elbow.
"It is the ultimate honour, and I am thrilled," he said. "In six months, my fortunes have turned round."
Corry, who has won 20 of his 35 caps as a replacement, will lead England for the first time in a match they desperately need to win after four successive defeats.
"It has come in unfortunate circumstances and it is a big blow for Jason, and in a way I hate to benefit from somebody's misfortune," he added.
"But that seems to happen quite a lot in my career. "I know there are a lot of injuries in the camp, so it's probably not that level a playing field, but from where I was six months ago it is still phenomenal."
England coach Andy Robinson is confident Corry will "step up to the challenge" when Italy come to Twickenham a week on Saturday.
"Martin has really impressed me with his performances for both England and Leicester this season," Robinson said.
"He has had some outstanding games. Together with other forwards such as Ben Kay, he has supported Jason Robinson by offering great leadership from the back row."
Robinson has also recalled Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel after a shoulder injury and Leicester centre Leon Lloyd into a 30-man training squad that will assemble on Monday.
Lloyd made his England debut against South Africa almost five years ago but has won just four more caps since then, the last in North America in 2001.
Leeds full-back Iain Balshaw also returns to the training squad in Jason Robinson's absence, while Bath prop Duncan Bell is also included after his late call-up for the injured Phil Vickery against Ireland.
Henry Paul and Mathew Tait will both be unavailable, on duty with the England squad preparing for the Sevens World Cup in Hong Kong.
Simpson-Daniel will push for a wing berth after an injury-disrupted season, one of several new options in the back three. Josh Lewsey is likely to be switched to full-back, with Balshaw another option, while Ben Cohen is also pressing for a recall on the wing.
Leicester coach John Wells paid tribute to 31-year-old Corry on his elevation to the captaincy.
"It is wonderful news for Martin, and I am delighted for him," said Wells.
"When you consider that Martin was only a fringe member of the England squad during the World Cup he has put himself into contention with some tremendous performances.
"Martin has helped drag the Tigers team this season, and also England, and that was clearly visible in Dublin last Sunday when he towered above many of his team-mates."
England training squad to face Italy:
Backs: Iain Balshaw (Leeds), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Ben Cohen (Northampton), Josh Lewsey (Wasps), Leon Lloyd (Leicester), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Olly Barkley (Bath), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Ollie Smith (Leicester), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Andy Goode (Leicester), Matt Dawson (Wasps), Harry Ellis (Leicester), Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester).
Forwards: Duncan Bell (Bath), Graham Rowntree (Leicester), Andy Sheridan (Sale Sharks), Matt Stevens (Bath), George Chuter (Leicester), Steve Thompson (Northampton), Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks), Steve Borthwick (Bath), Danny Grewcock (Bath), Ben Kay (Leicester), Simon Shaw (Wasps), Martin Corry (Leicester), Chris Jones (Sale Sharks), Lewis Moody (Leicester), Andy Hazell (Gloucester), Joe Worsley (Wasps).
MMIX
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Corry is a good choice. He has really impressed me and it's great to see a forward as captain 
