Matthew Upson will make his FIFA World Cup bow on Wednesday against Slovenia.
Fabio Capello confirmed the West Ham United captain would line up alongside John Terry during his press briefings on Monday morning, with Jamie Carragher suspended and Ledley King injured. Upson, 31, has never been on the losing side when playing with Terry for England and has won 19 caps overall, with one goal.
The huge encounter in Port Elizabeth, which starts at 3pm, comes after two Group C draws have left England needing a victory to be certain of progressing to the last 16 of the finals in South Africa. Robert Green is expected to be on the bench, after David James got the nod for last Friday's goalless draw with Algeria.