Head coach Steve Borthwick makes 11 changes for warm-up against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday with Owen Farrell returning to captain the side while Ellis Genge will win his 50th England cap; Jonny Hill makes the bench despite not being included in the final 33-man World Cup squad
Owen Farrell returns to skipper England in 11 changes from starting XV that faced Wales last weekend
Owen Farrell will return to captain England as head coach Steve Borthwick makes 11 changes to his side to face Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
Saracens fly-half Farrell returns to skipper a much stronger line-up from the starting XV that took to the field last Saturday for England’s opening fixture of the Summer Nations Series in Cardiff.
“We are very much looking forward to our return to Twickenham on Saturday, and the opportunity to play in front of our supporters again,” said Borthwick.
“England versus Wales is always a special fixture, and we are pleased to be playing the visitors again so soon.”
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In the front row, loosehead prop Joe Marler joins hooker Jamie George and Will Stuart, who retains his place on the tighthead. Behind them, George Martin partners Maro Itoje in the second row, to win his third England cap and his first at Twickenham.
Vice-captain Courtney Lawes is named on the blind side flank alongside Ben Earl on the open side.
Earl wins his first start for England after 15 previous appearances as a replacement, joining Saracens teammate Billy Vunipola to round off an all-new back row at No 8.
Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet links up with Farrell in the half back berths.
In midfield, the Premiership player of the season, Ollie Lawrence starts at inside centre next to Joe Marchant at 13.
Elliot Daly is named on the left wing, with 20-year-old Henry Arundell on the right and Freddie Steward keeps his place at full back.
Amongst the replacements, loosehead prop Ellis Genge, who is also named as a vice captain, will win his 50th England cap when he joins the action.
Jonny Hill has been included on the bench despite not making the final 33-man squad for the World Cup
Elsewhere, Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Jack Willis, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Max Malins and Jonny Hill will all be hoping to make a difference from the bench.
Sale star Hill has been included despite not making the final 33-man squad for the World Cup and Borthwick said: “Jonny has trained with us throughout the week, and I am pleased to be able to name him in the match day 23. I have no doubt he will provide a big impact for us off the bench”.
After Wales on Saturday, England have games against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, August 19, and Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday, August 26 before the start of Rugby World Cup in France in September.
