England head coach Steve Borthwick has recalled outside center Henry Slade to the starting lineup for Saturday's Nations Championship match against Fiji at Liverpool's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The move comes as England look to end a five-game losing streak, following last week's 45-21 defeat to South Africa in Johannesburg.
Slade, who came off the bench against the Springboks, will start for the first time since missing the entire Six Nations campaign.
"You can't control selection - I've always gone back to that over the last few years," said Slade.
"You just have to control the controllables, whether that's in the gym, on the training pitch, and, if you get picked at the weekend at your club, doing well and putting yourself up for selection."
The Exeter Chiefs player expressed satisfaction at earning a starting opportunity after a period out of favor with international selectors.
"That's what I've been trying to do and thankfully I have got a shot this week," said Slade.
"It's not always been plain sailing in my career. I've had to come back and fight my way back in.
So I guess I've had a bit of practice at it, which has maybe helped."
Slade also welcomed the chance to share the field with club teammate Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who starts on the wing.
"It's nice to be back in the shirt. I'm always very proud to wear the rose and to represent your country and your family.
I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in at the weekend," said Slade.
He added words of encouragement for Greg Fisilau, who missed out on selection. "Obviously, I'm playing with Manny as well, which is cool.
I'm disappointed for Greg that he's not in this time, but I'm sure there be an opportunity for him next week or down the line because he is an incredible player."
Club and Coach Back Slade's Return
Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter praised Slade's work ethic over the past 12 months.
"Both myself and all the other coaches have already been messaging each other, and I know all the players here at Sandy Park are delighted for Henry," said Baxter.
"These last couple of seasons, he has worked so hard and played so well for the club and showed such good qualities in a situation where not getting those international starts or involvement he wanted has been frustrating."
Borthwick maintained a largely unchanged starting lineup but included uncapped trio Noah Caluori, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and George Kloska on the replacements' bench.
"We've had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training," said Borthwick.
"We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us."
The head coach also highlighted the venue. "It's fantastic to be playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which is an outstanding venue.
There is a real passion for rugby across the north of England, and we're looking forward to experiencing a brilliant atmosphere in Liverpool."
When asked about his job security amid the losing run, Borthwick declined to discuss private conversations with the Rugby Football Union.
"The conversations I have with the RFU are private," he said.
"All I focus upon is this Saturday … that's all I ever did as a player and that's all I do as a coach."
He acknowledged the squad shares the public's disappointment.
"You accept the scrutiny, the pressure and the expectation because you want to try and achieve some great things.
When this team doesn't perform the way we want, we feel the hurt and pain that our supporters feel and we feel it so much because we all care so much.
I hope that this weekend we can get back to winning ways."
Fly-half Fin Smith, who retains his starting position, believes small improvements can change the team's fortunes.
"We just need to do the basic things of the game slightly better, more often.
As dull as that is, you play the best team in the world and that is what they teach you," said Smith.
He credited South Africa for their performance but noted England had positive moments.
"While saying that, I think there was moments where we had our tails up and we can take a little bit of confidence in that."
Smith added that consistent execution of fundamentals will eventually turn results.
"Sometimes it is hard to see the light when we have had some tough results and some not so good performances.
But it is just the small things done on repeat in test matches and if we start winning a few more of those small moments, then scoreboards will turn."
Following the Fiji match, England will travel to Argentina for the final fixture of their summer international program.
