The former South Sydney superstar is one of three backs named on the bench for the hosts after coach Stuart Lancaster stuck with the same starting team that beat Ireland 23-13 in their final warm-up game.
Lancaster has made just one change to his 23-man squad, with Rob Webber replacing Jamie George as the back-up hooker.
"The squad is massively excited to start the World Cup," the coach said of the Pool A clash.
"Everyone has worked incredibly hard over the last three months and we are ready.
"All the players have put their hand up in training and the internationals we have played this summer and we are blessed to have such a strong squad to select from against a skilful and powerful Fijian side."
Australia are also drawn in Pool A alongside co-hosts Wales, Fiji annd Uruguay.
Michael Cheika's Wallabies will open their campaign against Fiji next Thursday (AEST).
The Wallabies and England wil collide later in the pool stages in a blockbuster clash on Sunday, October 4 at Twickenham.
England: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Brad Barritt, Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw (captain), Ben Morgan
Reserves: Rob Webber, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, Joe Launchbury, Billy Vunipola, Richard Wigglesworth, Owen Farrell, Sam Burgess