The England XV Eddie Jones will start against the USA with unlikely captain

Monday, 21 June 2021 at 07:31

byRugby Rucker

Eddie Jones men will play two Test matches at Twickenham Stadium – against USA on Sunday 4 July (2pm KO) and Canada on Saturday 10 July (3pm KO).

England will be without 12 players, including captain Owen Farrell and star man Maro Itoje, after they were called up to the British & Irish Lions.

George Ford and Ben Youngs have also been omitted from the summer Tests training squad, but the likes of Ellis Genge, Manu Tuilagi and Sam Underhill will take to the field at Twickenham.

Reports in The TImes today suggest Ellis Genge will be handed the captaincy after Jones backed the renegade prop for a leadership role this summer.

Check out how, based on what Jones has revealed so far, his England XV is likely to look this summer.

BACK-THREE:

15. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 42 caps)
11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)

CENTRES:

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)

TUILAGI SAID: "If I get given the opportunity, it's always an honour. Eddie has been pretty good at keeping in touch. But we haven't set anything yet. We'll see."

HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, uncapped)
9, Dan Robson (Wasps, 12 caps)

JONES SAID: "I think Smith is getting a nice balance in his game between understanding the responsibilities of getting the team organised, but then playing what is in front of him. I think his development is really positive.”