Veteran Bell back for injury-hit England

LONDON (Reuters) - England team manager Martin Johnson has made four changes to his side for Saturday's international against Argentina at Twickenham.

Injuries have hit Johnson's forward options and veteran prop Duncan Bell will make his first start for England in a test since 2005, replacing David Wilson who suffered neck and shoulder injuries in last week's defeat by Australia.

James Haskell is selected at number eight in place of the injured Jordan Crane, one of 10 players released back to their clubs this week, while Northampton's Dylan Hartley replaces Steve Thompson at hooker.

Johnson, who is without a dozen leading players through injury including his first-choice front row, has made just one change in the backs with London Irish scrum half Paul Hodgson given his first start in place of Danny Care.

"With Paul and Danny there is an argument to who starts and who is on the bench," Johnson told reporters on Wednesday. "I said to Danny he's not dropped and he will have a chance to come off the bench but it's an opportunity for Paul because he's been a fantastic guy to have around for the past two weeks."

Argentina, who beat England at Twickenham three years ago, have built their reputation on scrummaging and Johnson said his unfamiliar pack would have to rise to the challenge.

"We know all about Argentina, they enjoy scrummaging and they are very good at it, it's a big part of their game," he said. "We need to be up to that challenge, it's as simple as that. That doesn't change, whoever is playing."

BIG GAME

While the forward battles will be vital, Johnson needs more from a backline which again includes flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson and flanker Lewis Moody, both of whom impressed in their first appearances for England since the 2008 Six Nations last week.