England side named for France Test

Eddie Jones has named his England side to play France in the Guinness Six Nations this weekend.

England are in Paris preparing for Saturday's [20 March, 9pm CET KO] game at the Stade de France.

Courtney Lawes will again 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.

In the front row, tight-head prop Will Stuart starts alongside vice-captains Ellis Genge (loose-head prop) and Jamie George (hooker). Maro Itoje and Nick Isiekwe are locks.

England men's most-capped player Ben Youngs starts at scrum half and Marcus Smith stays at fly half.

Vice-captain 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 could get the chance to add to their first England caps after being 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."

France v England is live on ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live.

ENGLAND XV

15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
14. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 11 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 47 caps)
11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 9 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 116 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 65 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 55 caps)
5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 6 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 92 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)
8. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)

FINISHERS

16. Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 78 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
20. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 8 caps)
21. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)
22. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 80 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 56 caps)

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