Hartley in for Thompson as Johnson seeks consistency
Hooker Dylan Hartley, who impressed after coming on against the All Blacks, replaces Leeds Carnegie's World Cup winning front rower Steve Thompson.
"Dylan did very well when he came on. It's not a knock on Thommo," Johnson added.
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Hide Ad"I thought he forced his way in there with the way he played.
"He's been in great form after he missed the summer tour with injury.
"He's returned with huge enthusiasm and intensity. His ball carrying is getting better as he gets more experienced.
"The more experience he can get the better."
He added: "He understands he's got to be a force for good. It's no good being penalised and off the field.
"He brings confrontational energy which is good."
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Hide AdLeeds's Hendre Fourie, 31, who made his debut from the bench against the All Blacks, is again on the bench against the Wallabies.
Thompson drops to the bench where he is joined by veteran Wasps lock Simon Shaw, who has replaced Dave Attwood after recovering from a calf injury.
Hartley made a dynamic impact off the bench against the All Blacks last weekend, scoring his first Test try to spark England's second-half comeback.
The fiery 24-year-old was arguably fortunate not to have been cited for a challenge on Richie McCaw.
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Hide AdBut Hartley also added to an impressive scrummaging performance and England will again be targeting the Wallabies' fragile set-piece.
England dominated Australia's scrum during the drawn summer Test series and they look a more formidable unit now with Andrew Sheridan back in the side at loose-head prop.
Attwood can consider himself unfortunate to miss out on selection after making a confident international debut against the All Blacks.
England manager Martin Johnson has decided against making any changes to his centre combination, with Mike Tindall and Shontayne Hape to continue their partnership.
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Hide AdWasps centre Riki Flutey is still recovering from a calf injury.
England: B Foden (Northampton); C Ashton (Northampton), M Tindall (Gloucester), S Hape (Bath), M Cueto (Sale); T Flood (Leicester), B Youngs (Leicester); A Sheridan (Sale), D Hartley (Northampton), D Cole (Leicester), C Lawes (Northampton), T Palmer (Stade Francais), T Croft (Leicester), L Moody (Bath, capt), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: S Thompson (Leeds), D Wilson (Bath), S Shaw (Wasps), H Fourie (Leeds), D Care (Harlequins), C Hodgson (Sale), D Armitage (London Irish).