It seems English skipper Phil Vickery may have lost his regular starting spot after serving his two-match suspension.

The prop has been named on the bench for England’s do-or-die clash with Tonga this weekend as Matt Stevens retains his spot in the front row and Martin Corry continues his role as on-field skipper.

England coach Brian Ashton says the Stevens selection was based purely on form.

"He's taken his opportunity really well and deserves to continue," Ashton said. "The captaincy is more than a symbolic role – if it weren't, anyone would be able to do it – but it is a secondary issue in this instance. The main issue was the front-row combination, and with Matt doing particularly well, we thought it best to ease Phil back by benching him. He's fine about it. At least, he seems fine on the face of it.