England are hoping to resurrect their disastrous Six Nations campaign when they welcome Grand Slam-chasing France to Twickenham this afternoon.
Eddie Jones has vowed his side will show something different against Les Bleus after England’s ill-discipline led to their own downfall against Wales, despite a pair of admittedly controversial refereeing decisions. Max Malins will make his first start after being named at full-back, with Luke Cowan-Dickie starting at hooker and Charlie Ewels in the second row.
Jones believes Malins will offer the perfect answer to France’s aerial bombardment. “Max has really impressed us since he’s been in the squad after starting with us last autumn,” Jones said. “He’s got a good kick-return game, a good feeling for the game and brings pace on to the ball. Particularly playing against a team like France, who are the highest kicking and longest kicking in the world, the full-back is pretty busy and so he will have a big role for us.”
Les Bleus crushed Italy in their opening match of the tournament before a slender 15-13 victory over Ireland. Their most recent fixture against Scotland was suspended after an outbreak of Covid-19 within the French squad.
FOLLOW ENGLAND VS FRANCE LIVE: Latest score and updates from Six Nations fixture today
However, they arrive in England with a near-full strength squad, with Virimi Vakatawa returning at centre while Romain Ntamack is on the bench after recovering from a fractured jaw. Here is everything you need to know:
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When is England v France and what time is kick-off?
The match will begin at 4.45pm on Saturday 13 March.
How can I watch it online and on TV?
The fixture will be broadcast live on ITV and can be watched online via the ITV Hub.
What are the starting line-ups?
England: Malins; Watson, Slade, Farrell, May; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, Cowan-Dickie, Sinckler, Itoje, Ewels, Wilson, Curry, B Vunipola.
Replacements: George, Genge, Stuart, Hill, Earl, Robson, Lawrence, Daly.
France: Dulin; Thomas, Vakatawa, Fickou, Penaud; Jalibert, Dupont; Baille, Marchand, Haouas; Taofifenua, Willemse; Cretin, Ollivon, Alldritt.
Replacements: Chat, Gros, Aldegheri, Cazeaux, Woki, Jelonch, Serin, Ntamack.
What are the odds?
England - 5/6
Draw - 20/1
France - 11/10
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