Clive Woodward picked Dallaglio despite the fact the flanker is still facing disrepute charges following allegations of recreational drug taking.

The England coach has made it clear he wants Dallaglio in the England World Cup side and is not prepared to wait until after next week's hearing to give him the match practice he needs.

The BBC's Kevin Gearey: "Lawrence Dallaglio was welcomed back into the team"

Dallaglio, who resigned three months ago when the newspaper allegations first surfaced, said: "I would like to thank Clive and the England squad for their support.

"I am obviously delighted to be selected for the match against the USA. It will be a challenge for all the players concerned and one I am particularly looking forward to.

"The last few weeks training with the England squad has been hard work, but enjoyable, and I am in excellent shape.

"I am now concentrating on Saturday's game and looking forward to giving 100% for my team-mates on the day."

Woodward took the obvious chance of recalling Dallaglio now because Dallaglio's preparations for the Test against Canada on Saturday week will be disrupted by the RFU hearing - and it is possible that he could be banned from World Cup action.

Woodward Reshuffle

BBC's Alastair Hignell: "Woodward was wrong"

Dallaglio's inclusion means that Woodward has made eight changes compared with the side that lost to Australia in Sydney in June.

Dallaglio comes back for Martin Corry. In the three quarters Phil de Glanville and Austin Healey come back for Mike Catt and the injured David Rees.

Matt Dawson is at scrum-half instead of his injured rival Kyran Bracken.

The entire front row is altered. Graham Rowntree, Phil Greening and Phil Vickery are given the chance ahead of Jason Leonard, Richard Cockerill and Darren Garforth, who will presumably play against the Canadians.

At lock, Danny Grewcock is named ahead of Tim Rodber, who will also be high on the list to face Canada.

England team to play USA at Twickenham on Saturday: M Perry (Bath), D Luger (Saracens), P de Glanville (Bath), J Guscott (Bath), A Healey (Leicester), J Wilkinson (Newcastle), M Dawson (Northampton), G Rowntree (Leicester), P Greening (Sale), P Vickery (Gloucester), M Johnson (Leicester) cap, D Grewcock (Saracens), R Hill (Saracens), L Dallaglio (Wasps), N Back (Leicester).