ACOMB flying machine Peter Fox has been handed a dream birthday present in the shape of a recall to the England team for tomorrow’s crucial Gillette Four Nations clash with New Zealand at Huddersfield.

The return of Hull KR winger Fox, in place of teenager Tom Briscoe, is one of three changes to the side that lost 26-16 to Australia as England look to clinch a place in the final.

Coach Tony Smith, who dropped Scott Moore and Richie Myler after the opening game, has now axed stand-off Danny McGuire and centre Lee Smith and adopted a bold strategy with the selection of Warrington’s Chris Bridge, who was the original shock inclusion in his 24-man squad.

Fox – whose career took off with try-scoring records in his two years at home-town club York City Knights in 2005 and ’06 before moving to Super League – was a surprise omission from the team that opened the tournament with a 34-12 win over France but could not hide his delight over his recall.

“It’s one of the best birthday presents I could ever have had,” said the former York Acorn ARLC junior, who turned 25 today.

“I’ve now got to rise to the occasion. Obviously I was disappointed to be left out against France but I had to react in a positive way and I did.”

Fox was unlucky to miss out on a trip to last year’s World Cup after an impressive England debut against France last summer and Smith has been impressed by the player’s attitude.

“His reaction probably made the difference,” he said. “If he didn’t handle things the right way and didn’t see the big picture, he probably wouldn’t still be with us.”

Smith has shaken up the right-sided defence that was cut apart by Australia in the first half at Wigan, and McGuire pays the price for a below-par display.

McGuire’s place goes to 20-year-old utility Kyle Eastmond, while his St Helens team-mate Jon Wilkin is recalled.

Ex-Selby Warriors junior Gareth Ellis stays in the second-row.

England: S Briscoe (Hull KR), Fox (Hull KR), Bridge (Warrington), Shenton (Castleford), Hall (Leeds), Tomkins (Wigan), Eastmond (St Helens), Morley (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), Graham (St Helens), Peacock (Leeds), Ellis (Wests Tigers), Sinfield (Leeds). Subs: Burgess (Bradford), Crabtree (Huddersfield), Westwood (Warrington), Wilkin (St Helens).