Steve Borthwick has confirmed his England side to face Japan, with George Ford surprisingly preferred to Marcus Smith at fly-half.
The selection comes as Fin Smith is rested following his return from injury.
The Northampton Saints playmaker is understood to have trained throughout the week and is expected to be available for next weekend's clash with the All Blacks.
However, despite a difficult start to the season with Sale Sharks and now being 33, Ford has been handed the No.10 shirt ahead of Marcus Smith, who will have to settle for a place on the bench.
It is a decision likely to raise eyebrows given Smith's impressive performances for Harlequins this season.
Widely regarded as one of England's most naturally gifted and attacking players, he has struggled to establish himself in Borthwick's plans.
Since round two of the 2025 Six Nations, Smith has actually spent more time playing at scrum-half than fly-half for England, despite earning 15 caps during that period.
The 27-year-old has been highly rated for several years, but England have seemingly struggled to find a settled role for him.
He made his British and Irish Lions debut in 2021, converting seven tries against the Stormers, before being selected again for the 2025 tour of Australia. He featured in the opening Test, kicking a penalty.
More recently, Smith has been shifted to full-back to accommodate Fin Smith at fly-half. However, with his namesake absent this weekend, his failure to earn a starting berth is particularly surprising.
Elsewhere, Henry Pollock has been rewarded for his impressive cameo against Australia, which saw him score twice on the wing.
The Northampton Saints youngster earns just his second England start, this time at No.8.
Pollock is one of 10 changes to the side that secured a 45-22 victory on Sunday.
Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, George Martin, Will Joseph, Max Ojomoh, Cadan Murley and Freddie Steward also come into the starting XV, alongside Ford.
There is also the prospect of a first England appearance for scrum-half Archie McParland, who has been named among the replacements.
Borthwick was delighted to hand the youngster his opportunity, saying:
“We're all delighted for Archie. He's had some bad luck with injury, so it's especially pleasing to be able to name him in an England matchday 23 for the first time.
"He's an outstanding young talent who has worked hard to get to this point, and we're all excited to see how he goes.”
England team to play Japan
14. Will Joseph (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 78 caps)
12. Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 7 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 108 caps) – vice-captain
9. Jack van Poortvliet
(Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears,
84 caps) – vice-captain
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale
Sharks, 62 caps)
3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
(Sale Sharks, 8 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens,
103 caps) – captain
5. George
Martin (Saracens, 25 caps)
6. Alex Coles (Northampton
Saints, 23 caps)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 55 caps)
8. Henry Pollock
(Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
Replacements:
16. Theo
Dan (Saracens, 20 caps)
17. Emmanuel
Iyogun (Northampton
Saints, 1 cap)
18. Joe
Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 26
caps)
19. Arthur
Clark (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
20. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 15 caps)
21. Greg Fisilau
(Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
22. Archie McParland
(Northampton Saints, uncapped)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 54
caps)
