England team to play France: Benhard Janse van Rensburg to make debut

Now that the squad has been confirmed, attention turns to selection, with this predicted team including a debut for Benhard Janse van Rensburg in midfield as England look to fine-tune combinations and build momentum.

At fullback, Marcus Smith is selected. Freddie Steward has just returned from injury for the semi-final, so picking him again only a week later in a low-stakes match does not really make sense.

With few natural alternatives in the position, Smith is the most practical option. After a difficult season with Harlequins, he will be hoping to rediscover his international form.

On the wing, Tom Roebuck is expected to feature. His aerial ability appears to be a key reason for his selection. While his season with Sale Sharks has not been exceptional, it has still been steady overall.

Borthwick tends to reward players based on what he values in their game, and this may be another example of that approach.

There is also the possibility of Noah Caluori being given a chance, which would be popular with supporters.

At outside centre, Benhard Janse van Rensburg comes into the side. Although he cannot yet play in a capped match until Fiji in July, he is available for this uncapped fixture.

This gives Borthwick a useful opportunity to assess him properly. With limited specialist options at 13 in the wider squad, his selection in this role makes sense.

Inside centre is likely to go to Max Ojomoh. After impressing against Argentina in the autumn, he was surprisingly left out of the England setup, probably due to club form and competition around him.

Now back in the squad, he is in contention with Seb Atkinson for the 12 shirt if Janse van Rensburg starts at 13. Given Atkinson’s inconsistent form for Gloucester, Ojomoh edges it.

On the other wing, Cadan Murley is a fairly settled pick. He is a dependable option who seems to have the trust of Borthwick. While players like Adam Radwan and Caluori offer more excitement, Murley provides consistency and structure.

At fly-half, George Ford is expected to play a key role. He is likely to sit behind Fin Smith in the pecking order this summer, but brings valuable experience to a squad full of Prem talent still adapting to Test rugby.

His influence will be as much about leadership as on-field control.

At scrum-half, Raffi Quirke is predicted to feature alongside Ford. Jack van Poortvliet is probably ahead of him generally, but having played in the semi-final last week he may need rest.

Harry Randall is another option, although his form for Bristol has not been at its best this season.

In the front row, Beno Obano is selected at loosehead. With Bevan Rodd and Ellis Genge both unavailable through injury, he is the most experienced option. This selection also helps give him valuable minutes ahead of likely involvement in the summer.

At hooker, Jamie George provides consistency and leadership. His role is well established, and he offers a reliable presence in a team featuring several younger players.

At tighthead, Asher Opoku-Fordjour is given a starting opportunity. He is one of England’s most promising young props and needs more exposure at this level, even if not yet in full Test matches.

Joe Heyes remains established, so this also allows rotation with him coming off the bench.

In the second row, George Martin is included after returning from injury and will be looking to build momentum in an England shirt again.

Alongside him, Ollie Chessum forms a familiar partnership.

With Maro Itoje potentially not involved this summer and Alex Coles occupied with Northampton Saints duties, this pairing offers continuity and understanding, particularly given their strong connection at Leicester Tigers.

At blindside flanker, Tom Curry is selected. He arguably deserves a break and may need one this summer, but his inclusion here suggests he will remain central to the plans. When fully fit, he is a clear starter.

At openside, Ben Earl is chosen. This position suits his skill set, and he also provides cover at number eight. His pace, power, and work rate make him a constant threat around the pitch.

At number eight, Alex Dombrandt completes the pack. Despite questions about his international consistency, his club form remains strong and difficult to ignore.

After an impressive season in a struggling Harlequins side, this could be another important chance to stake a claim.