Joe Launchbury on duty during the 2011 Junior World Championships © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Karl Dickson | Joe Launchbury | Courtney Lawes | Joe Simpson

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations | Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Harlequins | London Wasps | Northampton Saints

London Wasps have announced that forward Joe Launchbury has been called into the England squad in place of the injured Courtney Lawes.

The 20-year-old has just 12 Aviva Premiership starts to his name and has spent time on the sidelines this season through injury. But with Lawes injured, England have opted to draft in Launchbury ahead of their match with France at the weekend. With the likes of Tom Palmer, Mouritz Botha and Geoff Parling in the mix, Launchbury faces a tough ask to feature in the matchday squad, but the experience will prove hugely worthwhile nonetheless.

Launchbury said: "I am totally shocked to be honest but thrilled to get the chance to train with the squad. It was a totally unexpected call especially as I have missed so much of this season but it's a great opportunity for me to pick up some really valuable experience at the highest level. I'm really looking forward to it."

But while Launchbury is reveling in the call-up, one man who has left the England party is scrum-half Joe Simpson. He dislocated his shoulder at the weekend and is likely to miss the rest of the tournament. Harlequins' Karl Dickson has been given the nod in his place.