The New Zealander has rewarded his players for their stunning 34-7 victory over Scotland last weekend. The only change to the squad sees George North come on to the replacements bench in place of Owen Watkin.
“We felt the starting XV that beat Scotland deserved another chance,” said Gatland.
“We were very happy with Josh’s debut and, if we are going to find out about a player at the next level, it will be this weekend. We thought he deserved another chance to play and we will know about his quality after Saturday.”
Gatland has urged his players to take the self-belief they showcased against Scotland into this weekend’s fixtures. Wales are the last side to have beaten England at Twickenham in the Championship, when Scott Williams scored a late try to seal the Triple Crown in 2012.
“We will go there with confidence and self-belief,” he said.
“We trained against the England pack in that autumn period in Bristol, and that was good. The key is being prepared to play at a high intensity, which was definitely there last weekend for long periods of the game, and play with composure and patience.
“There are a lot of guys in the squad that will hopefully go there with a lot of confidence. We know how important this weekend is to play well. We look back at the World Cup, and two years ago towards the end of that game where George North has gone down the sideline, flicked the ball on and it has landed in Rhys Webb’s hands, and the touch judge has put his flag up.
“It’s clearly not out, and I look at it, it would have been interesting Rhys Webb one on one five yards from the line. If he scores there, we win the game. That was a pretty critical moment, and a decision that has gone against you.
“We don’t have any fear about going up there and playing. We are excited about it.”
