Northampton Saints flanker Lewis Ludlam will start England’s Six Nations clash against France this weekend, with clubmates Alex Mitchell and David Ribbans hoping to make an impact off the bench for the Red Rose.
Ludlam wins his 18th international cap for the clash, which kicks off at 4.45pm on Saturday (live on ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live), with Ribbans and Mitchell both hoping to earn their fourth at Twickenham.
Head coach Steve Borthwick said: “We look forward to welcoming a strong France team to Twickenham this weekend in what will undoubtedly be another exciting encounter in this year’s Six Nations competition.
“Over the last three years, France have built a formidable side and with just three games behind us, this England team has an excellent opportunity to test itself against one of the very best teams in the world, as we progress and build on the foundations we have put in place in the short time we have been together.
“The players selected to face our visitors are again a reflection of what I see to be the right balance of personnel for the challenge we face in this game.
“I know that a sold-out Twickenham will be in full voice, and that our magnificent supporters will make Saturday a very special occasion with a brilliant atmosphere.”
England side to face France
15 Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)
14 Max Malins (Saracens, 17 caps)
13 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 54 caps)
12 Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
11 Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps)
10 Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 20 caps)
9 Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps)
1 Ellis Genge (C) (Bristol Bears, 46 caps)
2 Jamie George (Saracens, 75 caps)
3 Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 59 caps)
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 65 caps)
5 Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)
6 Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
7 Jack Willis (Toulouse, 8 caps)
8 Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 12 caps)
Replacements:
16 Jack Walker (Harlequins, 2 caps)
17 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 77 caps)
18 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 98 caps)
19 David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
20 Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
21 Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
22 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 104 caps)
23 Henry Arundell (London Irish, 5 caps)
