Jamie George has been recalled to England’s starting lineup to face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday, while Mark Wilson comes back in at blindside flanker after Courtney Lawes was forced to pull out with a late injury.
Otherwise Eddie Jones has stuck by the XV who beat Italy, with George Ford continuing at fly-half, Owen Farrell staying at inside-centre while Elliot Daly wins his 50th cap at full-back. Billy Vunipola also keeps his place at No 8 despite admitting this week his form has been “rubbish”. The 19-year-old George Martin could make his debut off the bench.
Luke Cowan-Dickie can consider himself unlucky to drop back to the bench after impressing on his first championship start against Italy but Jones has seen fit to call on George’s experience.
Should Martin, who can play in the second row or at flanker, come off the bench it would represent a considerable rise for the teenager, who has made seven appearances for Leicester
“Wales is a really special fixture and rivalry,” said Jones. “There is a long history between the two nations and the game means a lot to both countries. We know we’ll be up against a strong Welsh challenge on Saturday, but we’ve worked really hard in training this week and have got a very good team to face it.
Quick Guide
England team to face Wales
Elliot Daly (Saracens), Anthony Watson (Bath), Henry Slade (Exeter), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), George Ford (Leicester), Ben Youngs (Leicester), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Jamie George (Saracens), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Jonny Hill (Exeter), Mark Wilson (Newcastle), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), Ellis Genge (Leicester), Will Stuart (Bath), Charlie Ewels (Bath), George Martin (Leicester), Ben Earl (Bristol), Dan Robson (Wasps), Max Malins (Bristol).
“We want to show people what we are capable of, keep building our performances and the best is yet to come from this England team.”