England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Marcus Smith in a 27-player squad ahead of their Six Nations clash with France, with George Ford left out.
Smith, who was released from the squad last week in order to gain valuable minutes with his club side Harlequins, looks set to feature off the bench this week.
That means Smith is likely to once again cover for captain Owen Farrell, who has started the country’s last two Championship games, against Italy and Wales.
Ford heads back to Sale
Ford will now head back to Premiership side Sale Sharks after a stint back in the international fold where he’ll have hoped to have impressed at the sessions.
There was some bad news for England, however, with Courtney Lawes also leaving the group due to a shoulder problem that rules him out of the France clash.
The Northampton Saints flanker’s season had already been hindered by concussion, neck, glute and calf problems, with this the latest setback for the player.
England head coach Borthwick names his starting XV on Thursday lunchtime as they look to claim what would be a notable Six Nations scalp against Les Bleus.
More to follow…
England squad
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Lewis Ludlam, David Ribbans, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis
Backs: Henry Arundell, Owen Farrell, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson
READ MORE: Loose Pass: Head collision idiocy, Marcus Smith and Ardie Savea’s responses and one to watch
The article Marcus Smith: England pick Harlequins fly-half over George Ford while there’s no Courtney Lawes due to injury appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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