England injury update: Nowell, Slade, Vunipola - Ruck

England injury update: Nowell, Slade, Vunipola

Eddie Jones has confirmed Henry Slade misses the game against the USA with a slight knee injury, while Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell are both back in contention to face Argentina.

Slade’s value as a player who can cover for fly-halves Owen Farrell and George Ford is significant, but his absence is eased by the presence of Piers Francis who will start at inside centre with Ford wearing the no.10 shirt and assuming the captaincy.

England team to play USA

England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Ruaridh McConnochie, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 George Ford (capt), 9 Willi Heinz; 1 Joe Marler, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 George Kruis, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Lewis Ludlam, 8 Billy Vunipola

Replacements: 16 Jack Singleton, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 Mark Wilson, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Anthony Watson