Kay earns call to face all Blacks

LEICESTER lock Ben Kay has been called into the England squad ahead of next Saturday's international against New Zealand as cover for the injured Tom Palmer. Martin Johnson sent for Kay, his former Leicester team-mate and second row partner in the 2003 World Cup final, as Palmer continues to undergo treatment for a tight right calf muscle. Palmer was replaced by Wasps tea m-mate Simon Shaw

after 34 minutes of England's record 42-6 defeat to South Africa last Saturday.

Inside centre Riki Flutey is also a doubt for the All Blacks clash after limping out of the action with a tight hamstring.

England medics are still treating prop A ndrew Sheridan, who missed the Springboks game with a neck injury.

Johnson names his team to face Gra nd Slam-chasing New Zealand at midday today.

Even if Palmer shakes off the injury, he may struggle to retain his place in the side on form. Johnson had demanded England "play smart" against the Spring-boks and improve their discipline, but Palmer conceded three penalties in 34 minutes before being withdrawn from the action.

Either way, Kay will bring some much-needed experience and leadership to a squad Johnson described as "desolate" after falling to a record home defeat.

England captain Steve Borthwick accepted there was a very real danger his squad's confidence would have been destroyed by the sheer size of Saturday's defeat.

Danny Cipriani, for one, has st ruggled to impose himself against the world's best sides and Mike Catt has urged Johnson to save him further torture against the All Blacks.

But injuries aside, Johnson insisted he does not plan to make sweeping changes to his team for the All Blacks clash.

Johnson has urged England to have faith in what the coaches are trying to implement, so in turn he wants to keep faith with them.