England squad to face France in Paris
Eddie Jones has named his England side to play France in the Guinness Six Nations this weekend.
Courtney Lawes will captain the side at blind-side flanker, while Sam Underhill (open-side flanker) makes his first appearance for England since their win over South Africa in November 2021. Sam Simmonds is No. 8.
- Coverage on ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live
- Kick off 8pm
In the front row, tight head prop Will Stuart starts alongside Ellis Genge and Jamie George. Maro Itoje and Nick Isiekwe are named in the second row.
England men’s most-capped player Ben Youngs starts at scrum half and Marcus Smith stays at fly half. Henry Slade is at inside centre and Joe Marchant starts at outside centre. Jack Nowell is at left wing, Freddie Steward moves to the right wing and George Furbank is at full back.
Nic Dolly and Ollie Chessum are named as finishers. They are joined by Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Alex Dombrandt, Harry Randall, George Ford and Elliot Daly on the bench.
Jones said: “This is our strongest 23 for the game against France. We are disappointed not to be in the contention for the trophy but last week’s effort against Ireland was full of pride, energy and tactical discipline.
“We have focused on refreshing the team this week and we are ready to empty the tank on Saturday.”
Team
15. George Furbank
14. Freddie Steward
13. Joe Marchant
12. Henry Slade
11. Jack Nowell
10. Marcus Smith
9. Ben Youngs
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Will Stuart
4. Maro Itoje
5. Nick Isiekwe
6. Courtney Lawes
8. Sam Simmonds
Finishers
16. Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
17. Joe Marler
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Ollie Chessum
20. Alex Dombrandt
21. Harry Randall
22. George Ford
23. Elliot Daly