Rugby World Cup 2015: England 'have panicked' with team selection

Rugby league convert Sam Burgess is set to win his fourth England cap on Saturday

Wales coach Warren Gatland will be "laughing all the way to Twickenham" at the changes England are set to make for Saturday's World Cup match, according to ex-Scotland captain Gavin Hastings.

Fly-half George Ford is to be dropped, with Owen Farrell replacing him.

Meanwhile, injured centre Jonathan Joseph, 24, will be replaced by rugby league convert Sam Burgess, 26.

"I think they have panicked with the selection," Hastings told BBC Radio 5 live.

"Instead of potentially bringing on Henry Slade, who would have been the natural player to fill in for Joseph, they have completely changed their backline.

"Yes, they want to get a victory under their belt against Wales on Saturday, but I think Warren Gatland will be laughing all the way to Twickenham."

Bath centre Joseph injured his chest as the hosts beat Fiji 35-11 on Friday.

After facing Wales, England play Australia on 3 October, followed by Uruguay a week later, with the top two teams from Pool A progressing to the quarter-finals.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster will announce his team on Thursday morning.