Armitage: Hoping to get some ball on Saturday against the Pumas

England full-back cum wing Delon Armitage says it's "a dream come true" after being named to start in his team's opening World Cup match.

When Armitage was forced to sit out the whole of England's victorious Six Nations campaign through suspension, a place in their World Cup squad looked a long way off.

But he will realise a cherished ambition against Argentina on Saturday after being called up to replace injured wing Mark Cueto.

The 27-year-old Armitage was recalled for England's World Cup warm-up matches against Wales and Ireland, having missed this season's Six Nations following a ban for pushing an anti-doping official.

He was then banned again, and missed England's match against the Barbarians in May, for striking an opponent in a Premiership fixture.

Yet England manager Martin Johnson still selected him and was rewarded with some impressive warm-up displays, culminating in England's 20-9 win away to Ireland last month where Armitage - who came off the bench early to replace Cueto, struggling with a back injury - scored a well-taken try.

Armitage burst on the international scene in 2008, impressing on attack and defence, but a shoulder injury a year later halted his progress and he then suffered a loss of form in the 2010 Six Nations.

"I didn't even think I'd be over here so it's a massive turnaround," he said.

"To have the opportunity to start now, I'm speechless, it's like a dream come true," added Armitage, one of ten England players who will be making their World Cup debuts on Saturday.

Armitage was inspired by watching England, then captained by Johnson, win the World Cup in Australia eight years ago.

"It's everything I've ever wanted since I watched the final in 2003," he said.

"I had just joined the London Irish academy and was in an academy house and was watching it with one of my good friends, Topsy Ojo and we were watching the game and thinking one day, who knows, it could be us."

Armitage is looking forward to playing on the wing, saying that it could be just as an influential position as full-back.

"People think you are on the wing, you are not at full-back you are not controlling the play," he said.

"But, as Chris Ashton shows, if you come off your wing and look for work you get your rewards. He's scored a lot of tries, just following the chubbier guys, so hopefully I can do the same and find a few gaps."

And Armitage insisted his temperament was not an issue.

"What's happened has happened. My record for England is really good, I've never had a problem or issues with discipline."

Armitage's natural inclination, unlike some sportsmen, is to visibly enjoy the thrill of top-level competition:

"I play a lot better with a smile on my face," he said.

"Hopefully, we can get some ball on Saturday and express ourselves."

Source: Planet Rugby