Armitage welcomes England's attacking mindset

England manager Martin Johnson has named the boldest attacking team of his 18-month tenure after being persuaded in a frank meeting with his squad to remove the tactical straitjacket.

Armitage and Riki Flutey have both returned from injury but it is the selection of Mathew Tait at outside centre and Danny Care at scrum-half which indicates a marked change in emphasis.

England were jeered during the autumn international campaign and widely criticised for a lack of attacking ambition.

Veteran lock Simon Shaw later revealed players were fearful of stepping outside the rigid gameplan and complained publicly that a fear of losing was "strangling" England.

Johnson and England attack coach Brian Smith admitted mistakes were made and they have responded by redrawing the game plan.

"Freedom within structure" is the buzz phrase, but in short the likes of Armitage, Tait and Care have clearance to play their natural games.

"You mustn't attack for the sake of it, but if it's on, then go, play what you see in front of you and leave nothing in the tank," said Armitage.

"We've got that freedom now to play to our strengths rather than go out there, holding back, not trying things, worrying about the game plan and still losing.

"Having this freedom now is going to be brilliant for us. Everyone will be more relaxed and ready to play.

"We've got to go out there with freedom and the boys are really thrilled about that.

"As a back-three player, if you are given a licence to go, any player would tell you that is a golden key and I intend to use it."

Wales have suffered an injury blow with Lions hooker Matthew Rees sidelined. Gareth Williams replaces him in the front-row.

Wales team: L Byrne (Ospreys); T James (Cardiff Blues), J Hook (Ospreys), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), G Cooper (Cardiff Blues); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), G Williams (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), A-W Jones (Ospreys), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), A Powell (Cardiff Blues), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), P James (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), J Thomas (Ospreys), R Rees (Cardiff Blues), A Bishop (Ospreys), L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues).