Borthwick announces England team to face Wales at Twickenham

England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his match day 23 to face Wales at Twickenham Stadium (kick-off 5.30pm).  
 
Owen Farrell (Saracens) returns to captain a team which has 11 changes from the starting XV that took to the field last Saturday for England’s opening fixture of the Summer Nations Series in Cardiff.
 
In the front row, loosehead prop Joe Marler (Harlequins) joins hooker Jamie George (Saracens) and Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), who retains his place on the tighthead. Behind them, George Martin (Leicester Tigers) partners Maro Itoje (Saracens) in the second row, to win his third England cap and his first at Twickenham Stadium.
 
Vice-captain Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) is named on the blind side flank alongside Ben Earl (Saracens) on the open side. Earl wins his first start for England after 15 previous appearances as a replacement joining Saracens teammate Billy Vunipola to round off an all-new back row at No.8.
 
Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers) links up with Farrell in the half back berths. In midfield, 2022/23 Premiership Player of the Season, Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby) starts at inside centre next to Joe Marchant (Stade Francais) at 13. Elliot Daly (Saracens) is named on the left wing, with 20-year-old Henry Arundell (Racing 92) on the right and Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers) keeps his place at full back.
 
Amongst the replacements, loosehead prop Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), who is also named as a vice captain, will win his 50th England cap when he joins the action. Elsewhere, Theo Dan (Saracens) Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Jack Willis (Toulouse), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Max Malins (Bristol Bears) and Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks) will all be hoping to make a difference from the bench.

 
“We are very much looking forward to our return to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, and the opportunity to play in front of our supporters again,” said Borthwick.
 
“England versus Wales is always a special fixture, and we are pleased to be playing the visitors again so soon.
 
“We’re delighted for Ellis who will win his 50th cap from the bench. He’s a brilliant professional, both on and off the field, and I’m sure Saturday will be a very proud moment for him and his family.”
 
On Jonny Hill’s involvement, Borthwick added: “Jonny has trained with us throughout the week, and I am pleased to be able to name him in the match day 23. I have no doubt he will provide a big impact for us off the bench”.