Grayson out for England

Olly Barkley, sensationally dumped by England after helping defeat Wales at Twickenham, has been recalled for the Six Nations grand finale against France in Paris on Saturday.

Barkley kicked 16 points and was named man of the match by head coach Clive Woodward after last Saturday's win over Wales but found himself surplus to requirements when the squad to face Grand Slam-chasing France was named yesterday.

Barkley was left with the more mundane task of playing No10 for Bath in a Zurich Premiership clash with London Irish this weekend.

But he is now back in the England fold and will start against France after Northampton's Paul Grayson, whose calf injury allowed the 22-year-old to make his first Six Nations start, failed a fitness test this morning.

Woodward said: "I think it was right to go for Grayson in terms of his experience for this game but it was not to be and I am very happy to go with young Barkley. It brings a left-foot kicking option and balances the side up even better.

"Unlike last week, it's important we make the change early to allow Olly the maximum time to prepare. He played very well in his first major Test match and we are very excited about seeing him step up to the plate again against France."

Barkley was told to go back to Bath yesterday by Woodward after flaws in his game were highlighted in the post-match review.

Woodward made it clear that to halt France's bid for Slam glory and to give England a chance of retaining their championship title, experience was a key element.

That is why he picked Grayson, with Bath veteran Mike Catt included in the replacements, leaving Barkley to reflect on the ruthless nature of international rugby. Grayson was yesterday confident his calf muscle had recovered to allow him to start against the French but the 32-year-old reported problems this morning, prompting a fitness test.

Barkley said: "Clive told me yesterday that there was every chance I would be starting. I'm disappointed for Paul but delighted to be starting, especially with the advantage of having plenty of time to prepare for the match."

France, bidding to win their ninth Grand Slam, will relish the opportunity to let flankers Olivier Magne and Serge Betsen loose on Barkley. Two years ago, Betsen hounded Wilkinson and was hugely influential in helping France to victory.