Jones names squad to face Tonga

4 Nov 2021 | 3 min |

Eddie Jones has named the England team for this weekend’s Test match against Tonga.

England open their Autumn Nations Series campaign on Saturday at Twickenham Stadium (3.15pm KO) and Owen Farrell will captain the side at fly-half.

Tom Curry (No.8), Ellis Genge (loose-head prop) and Courtney Lawes (blind-side flanker) have been named England vice-captains for the Autumn Nations Series and all start against Tonga.

Manu Tuilagi makes his first appearance for England since March 2020, after coming back from injury, at inside centre, and Henry Slade is outside centre.

"We’ve had two good preparation camps in Jersey and Pennyhill Park, worked really hard and we’re ready for a tough, physical game," said Jones.

"We respect Tonga greatly and we know that with props like Siegfried Fisi’ihoi and Ben Tameifuna, we are going to have to go in the front door before the back door.

"We’re especially looking forward to getting back out in front of a full crowd at Twickenham and playing some entertaining, exciting rugby for all of the supporters, we can’t wait to have them back."

Jonny May (left) and Adam Radwan (right), in his second England appearance, will be on the wings. Freddie Steward is picked at full back and Ben Youngs is set to earn his 110th cap for England.

Kyle Sinckler joins hooker Jamie George in the front row, whilst Maro Itoje and Jonny Hill complete the tight-five. Sam Underhill will be open-side flanker.

Alex Mitchell could make his England debut after being named among the finishers. Elsewhere Jamie Blamire, Alex Dombrandt and Marcus Smith could add to the caps they achieved for the first time this summer. Joe Marler, Will Stuart, Charlie Ewels and George Furbank make up the remaining finishers.

England take on Australia on Saturday 13 November (5.30pm KO) and world champions South Africa on Saturday 20 November (3.15pm KO). All matches are live on Amazon Prime Sport and TalkSPORT.