The Scarlets man is now fully recovered from the pectoral injury suffered against South Africa last November and comes straight back into the side to partner Jamie Roberts in midfield at Twickenham.
It means Wales head coach Warren Gatland can call on the most experienced centre partnership in Welsh history for the crunch clash with Stuart Lancaster’s men.
Since suffering his injury against the Springboks and undergoing surgery, Davies has seen just 105 minutes of regional action. But after playing a key role for the Scarlets in last weekend’s win over Munster, he says he’s ready to step back into the heat of international rugby.
“On Sunday I was struggling to walk down the stairs but the injury felt fine and I was pleased with how things went,” said the 25-year-old.
“I just had to make sure my concentration over the last few weeks has been on getting fit. I’ve worked hard with the conditioners and I’ve prepared well for Sunday. It was frustrating to get injured but that’s part and parcel of the game. I’ve put in the work and got fit as quickly as possible.
“When you get close to being fit, it can get frustrating and I had a little setback a few weeks ago but I’m over that now. At times I thought I was getting flogged for the sake of getting flogged but I’m feeling pretty good.
“We’ve got a really good work ethic in our squad and I’m fortunate I’ve got a game under my belt.”
Davies is one of two changes for Wales ahead of Sunday’s trip to Twickenham, fellow British & Irish Lion Alun Wyn Jones also returning after recovering from a foot infection which caused him to miss Wales’ win over France a fortnight ago. That victory means Wales, as well as Ireland, England and France, go into this weekend’s games locked on four points each.
But with the tournament now reaching its nitty-gritty stage, Davies remains calm about his return to competitive action. He added: “There’s pressure to deliver every time you play for your country – it’s the same this Sunday. It’s going to be a huge contest and something all the boys are looking forward to.
“You want to play in the biggest games – you have to be excited for that and do everything you can to get a victory. It will be a hostile environment but you have to embrace it. To play in front of a crowd like that will be amazing and even better if we can get a victory.”
Wales travel to Twickenham knowing they have beaten England in their last two encounters. But despite that record, Davies knows Wales will have to be on their guard this weekend.
“I thought the French performance was outstanding but we know on Sunday we are going to have to step it up again,” he said.
“We know there’s another level to go. I thought England played really well against Ireland. They shut the door on them, closed the game out and were probably unlucky against France previously. They’re a good team, they’ve matured over the last couple of years and we’re expecting a tough test.
“Mike Brown has had an excellent season for Harlequins and England, Luther Burrell has scored two tries in international rugby – he’s a big physical guy, and I know Billy Twelvetrees from the summer.
“There are threats all over their backline. We need to use the experience we have to put pressure on the English team.”
