Coach Eddie Jones has made five changes to the England starting lineup for Saturday’s crucial Six Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield.
In the aftermath of England’s humiliating 24-17 loss against France in Paris on Sunday, Jones has wielded the axe across the match 23 for this weekend’s Test.
In the back division, Jonathan Joseph come in for the injured Manu Tuilagi at outside centre. But the big news is that Jones has dropped veteran Ben Youngs after the scrumhalf produced another sub-standard performance. Willi Heinz will start in the No 9 position.
Up front, Lewis Ludlam replaces Courtney Lawes at blindside flank, with the latter relegated to the bench alongside Youngs.
George Kruis wins back the No 5 jersey at the expense of Charlie Ewels and Mako Vunipola returns at loosehead prop ahead of Joe Marler, who falls out of the match-day squad altogether.
There’s also movement on the bench, where Tom Dunn and Ben Earl have earned selections.
England – 15 George Furbank, 14 Jonny May, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Tom Curry, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 George Kruis, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola.
Subs: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Courtney Lawes, 21 Ben Earl, 22 Ben Youngs, 23 Ollie Devoto.
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