MacDonald returns for England's World Cup semi

Claudia MacDonald has 22 England caps

Wing Claudia MacDonald returns from injury and prop Hannah Botterman starts as England make two changes for their World Cup semi-final against Canada.

MacDonald replaces the experienced Lydia Thompson, while Botterman pushes Vickii Cornborough to the bench.

Scrum-half Lucy Packer is also on the bench but will have a scan on a possible ankle injury on Thursday.

If Packer is unavailable, head coach Simon Middleton will have to shuffle his side given MacDonald is his other option to provide cover for starter Leanne Infante at nine.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt was a shock exclusion from the World Cup squad back in September and Middleton said it would be too late to call up any replacement players for the final two games of the tournament.

"I'm pretty sure she'll be OK," Middleton said of Packer.

England: Rowland; Dow, Scarratt, Heard, MacDonald; Harrison, Infante; Botterman, Cokayne, Bern, Aldcroft, Ward, Matthews, M Packer, Hunter (capt).

Replacements: Davies, Cornborough, Muir, Galligan, Cleall, L Packer, Aitchison, Kildunne.