ENGLAND have named an unchanged starting XV for Friday's World Cup opener against Fiji at Twickenham.

The only adjustment to the 23 that dispatched Ireland 21-13 nine days ago sees hooker Rob Webber replace Jamie George on a bench that includes rugby league convert Sam Burgess.

Courtney Lawes has been chosen to partner line-out specialist Geoff Parling in the second row once again and Ben Morgan continues to be preferred to Billy Vunipola, who is selected among the replacements.

The final marginal call faced by head coach Stuart Lancaster was on the wings where Jonny May and Anthony Watson will start, keeping Jack Nowell out of the 23 for a second game.

Scrum-half Ben Youngs, one of seven survivors from the 2011 World Cup, will win his 50th cap when Fiji visit Twickenham.

Lancaster insists England are thrilled at the prospect of playing a World Cup on home soil and welcomes the "support of a nation" for his team.

"The squad is massively excited to start the World Cup. Everyone has worked incredibly hard over the last three months and we are ready," he said.

"All the players have put their hand up in training and during the internationals we have played this summer.

"We are blessed to have such a strong squad to select from against a skilful and powerful Fijian side.

"Friday will be a great occasion for the whole squad and for the country. We are in a unique position to be playing in a World Cup on home soil and to have the support of a nation behind the team.

"That support will be a massive factor and we don't underestimate its importance.

"I'd like to congratulate Ben Youngs on his achievement. To win 50 caps for your country in such a relatively short period of time is testament to Ben's dedication and commitment."

Ireland, meanwhile, have received a significant World Cup boost with prop Cian Healy passed fit to start after neck surgery.

Loosehead prop Healy has battled neck problems since May, but has recovered just in time and will be available for Saturday's Pool D opener against Canada.

Scrum-half Conor Murray has been passed fit after concussion, with Rob Kearney also over knee niggles for the Cardiff clash with Canada.

Ireland team manager Mick Kearney admitted Healy endured "a degree of pessimism" earlier in the summer, fearing he would miss the World Cup, before grafting his way back to fitness.

"The 31-man squad are all fit and available for selection against Canada for Saturday," said Ireland team co-ordinator Kearney.

"Cian's great, obviously Cian had a few dark days across the summer but towards the end of August he made fantastic progress.

"He's been in full training for the last two weeks and I'm delighted to report that he is available for selection at the weekend against Canada.

"I think the fact that he is available and is fit I think it's a huge boost to everyone in the squad and a huge boost to Cian as well.

"I think everyone is thrilled for him, because over the last 12 months between a couple of injuries and operations he's been out of action for a very long time.

"He worked incredibly hard over the course of the three or four months.

"I suppose there was a degree of pessimism about him for a while but certainly towards the end of August that all turned good and he's been really flying and in great form since then."