Northampton number eight Phil Dowson has been called into the England squad as cover for injured flanker Hendre Fourie.

Dowson had been due to captain the England Saxons against Russia in the Churchill Cup today, but he will instead fly from the United States to link up with Martin Johnson's squad in Australia.

Fourie was one of England's better performers in yesterday's 28-28 draw with the Australian Barbarians before being forced off at half-time with a right calf problem.