Reports this morning have revealed that captain Owen Farrell could be benched by Steve Borthwick for England's clash with France this weekend.
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On Saturday, March 11, the Twickenham Stadium in London will host the England versus France rugby match, which will begin at 4.45pm (GMT).
Other matches scheduled for the same weekend include Italy versus Wales, aimed at avoiding the last place, at 2.15pm on Saturday, and Scotland versus Ireland at 3pm on Sunday, March 12.
According to The Telegeraph, "it is understood the Harlequins fly-half is primed for a return to the starting XV in place of Owen Farrell' after his man of the match performance at Twickenham for Quins at the weekend
Although injury concerns, including a setback to Courtney Lawes, who was expected to lead the team if Farrell was rested, created additional selection considerations, the England management has reportedly been impressed with Smith's performance in training since his return from his club.
If Smith begins the match, Ellis Genge, one of the two vice-captains, is expected to assume the captaincy for England's last competitive game at Twickenham before the World Cup in France later this year.
Here is the expected England team to face France this Saturday.
EXPECTED ENGLAND XV:
Back Three
Anthony Watson of England Rugby goes over for a try during the Six Nations Championship match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on March 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
11. Anthony Watson
Centres
Ollie Lawrence of England is tackled by Tommaso Allan of Italy during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
13. Ollie Lawrence
12. Henry Slade
Half Backs
Ben Youngs of England, Marcus Smith of England and Owen Farrell, Captian of England sing the national anthem ahead of the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
10. Marcus Smith
9. Jack van Poortvliet
Front Row
Ellis Genge of England on the break during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
- Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinkler
Locks
4. Maro Itoje
5. Ollie Chessum
Back Row
Try Celebrations for Jack Willis of England as he goes over for a try during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
6. Lewis Ludlam
7. Jack Willis
8. Alex Dombrandt
Replacements
Mako Vunipola applauds in the direction of the supporters at full-time followinga the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
16. Dan Cole
17. Jack Walker
18. Mako Vunipola
19. Nick Isiekwe
20. Ben Curry
21. Alex Mitchell
22.Owen Farrell
23. Henry Arundell
