England name team for France Six Nations clash as Elliot Daly dropped

Max Malins will start at fullback against France as Eddie Jones searches for a spark to ignite his England team.

Elliot Daly has been a senior member of Jones’ team since he starred for the 2017 Lions and only last weekend won his 50th cap.

That, however, has not saved him as Jones responds to losses to Scotland and Wales and the premature ending of England’s Six Nations defence.

Malins, on loan at table-topping Bristol from Saracens, has been tearing it up in the Premiership and, despite winning six caps off the bench, has yet to be given a decent chance to show what he can do for his country.

He will team up in England’s back-three with Jonny May, scorer of two tries in this fixture a year ago, and Anthony Watson, who reaches his 50-cap milestone.

Jones has not stopped there. Jamie George is dropped to the bench for the second time in three games, with Luke Cowan-Dickie taking over as starting hooker.

England have not get the best out of Elliot Daly playing him at fullback (Getty Images)

Jonny Hill is also canned, relegated to understudy status to allow Charlie Ewels his eighth start on what is his 20th appearance.

“I believe this is the best 23 to really take the game to France and get us on the front foot," said Jones, who recalls young centre Ollie Lawrence to the bench.

“The squad have competed really hard in training since Sunday. This France game is one we are really looking forward to.

Cowan-Dickie replaces Jamie George at hooker (The RFU Collection via Getty Ima)

“We are of course disappointed that we can’t defend the championship, but that makes this an even more important game. We want to show what we are capable of.”

England

15. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 6 caps)

14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 49 caps)

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 37 caps)

12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 91 caps) (C)

11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 64 caps)

10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 75 caps)

9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 107 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 65 caps)

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 29 caps)

3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 42 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 46 caps)

5. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)

6. Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons, 21 caps)

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 31 caps)

8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 59 caps)

Replacements

16. Jamie George (Saracens, 57 caps)

17. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 26 caps)

18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)

19. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)

20. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 11 caps)

21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 10 caps)

22. Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 4 caps)

23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 50 caps)