WORCESTER Warriors' Lydia Thompson has been named in England's squad for the Rugby World Cup Final this weekend against hosts New Zealand.

The showpiece event between the world's top two nations is poised to break an attendance record, with over 40,000 ticket-holders expected to descend on Auckland's sold-out Eden Park.

History is on the line for both sides in the rematch of the 2017 final. A loss would see number-one ranked England snap a 30-game Test win streak, the most of any men's or women's international side, while the Black Ferns are seeking a record sixth title and their first on home soil.

Coach Simon Middleton has made five changes to the side, including a recall for Worcester's winger Thompson having been dropped from the semi-final win over Canada last weekend.

Helena Rowland sustained a foot injury in that match and will be replaced by Harlequins' Ellie Kildunne at full-back, while her club team-mate Vickii Cornborough gets the nod at loose-head prop following a knee injury to Hannah Botterman in training last week.

Middleton has also elected to start Holly Aitchison at inside centre in place of Tatyana Heard, who is among the substitutes.

Claudia MacDonald also begins on the bench with Abby Dow making the switch from right to left wing, while Lydia Thompson returns on the right.

Despite being the number one side in the world, Middleton think there is an equal amount of pressure on the hosts.

"To lose in front of your home crowd is a tough gig. So the pressure on them is absolutely massive," he said.

"We said right at the start, the opportunity that the competition gave us is exactly the opportunity that's now in front of us. Very rarely in life do you get an opportunity to be the best you can be or try and achieve the ultimate and test yourself.

"We're really fortunate that we've now got that scenario. That's why we're looking forward to it so much."