Mears replaces Steve Thompson in the England front row on Saturday

Mears, who is set for his first start this weekend, says England can recover after the devastating loss to France.

"A loss is always a disappointment but we had some good performances in the autumn and we had a good performance against Wales," he said.

"You don't become a bad side overnight. Hopefully we can put it all right."

Mears has been named in the front row in place of Steve Thompson in one of seven changes to the team that was so disappointing in the 31-6 defeat to France on Sunday.

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The 27-year-old Bath hooker, who came on for Thompson in Paris, has had to wait for his chance to make the step-up to the international stage and is desperate to run out at Twickenham.

"The first start's massive, it's everything I've aimed for since I was a young boy," Mears said.

"It's what we all dream about, so to get the chance to wear the number two on my back is a big occasion - especially at Twickenham.

I'll be watching them on video again this week but in the front row it's never rocket science, you get stuck into them Lee Mears

"The support there, the crowd, the stadium, you couldn't ask for anything more for a first start.

"I'm very grateful to Steve, who's a great guy and who's helped me a lot, but it's also great to get the chance to have a go and to be wearing the shirt.

"I think I'm ready for it. You come into the squad, get welcomed by the rest of the players and settle in. I hope that now I can repay all that support."

Mears has finally made the Bath number two shirt his own this season after seven years at the club, and was first named in an England 22 for the games against Australia and New Zealand last November.

He did not take the field, however, and made his first appearance as a substitute against Samoa.

This year Mears has come on as a sub against Wales, Italy and France but now gets his chance to start as coach Andy Robinson desperately looks to find a winning team.

Flannery sets sights on England

Mears has never played against the Ireland front row before but has been impressed by how hooker Jerry Flannery and his colleagues have performed this year.

"We've got them on video and you keep an eye on Munster and all the Irish sides when they are on television because that's how you learn," he said.

"Flannery's had a great Six Nations. He burst onto the scene and has done a great job. At international level I don't think there are any bad hookers out there.

"You know what you're going to get with the Irish sides, they come out really fired up, they've got some great backs and a tenacious forward pack. It's just how we are going to deal with it.

"I'll be watching them on video again this week but in the front row it's never rocket science, you get stuck into them.

"We know that Ireland will be real top quality opposition. They're playing for the Triple Crown which makes it a big weekend.

"But the pressure is what you play rugby for - whether it's for Bath or England - and that's what I'll be aiming to do."