In a bold yet controversial move, England's head coach Steve Borthwick has decided to maintain the bulk of his squad, making only a single change to the starting XV for the upcoming showdown against France. Despite recent setbacks, including a historic loss to Italy, Borthwick's team selection signals a clear strategy of continuity as they prepare to salvage pride in Paris.
Ollie Chessum is set to replace the injured Tom Curry on the blindside flank, marking the only alteration to the starting lineup. This change prompts a shuffle in the back-row, with Guy Pepper shifting to openside flanker and Ben Earl retaining his number eight jersey. The core of the team remains unchanged, as Borthwick aims to foster team cohesion amidst a challenging Six Nations campaign.
The backline sees no new faces with Elliot Daly, Tom Roebuck, and Cadan Murley continuing as the back-three. Midfielders Tommy Freeman and Seb Atkinson, alongside half-backs Fin Smith and Ben Spencer, will also maintain their positions. The bench features familiar figures including potential milestone celebrants, flanker Sam Underhill and fly-half Marcus Smith, both poised to earn their 50th caps.
"It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side. England versus France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby and we’re looking forward to the occasion."
The forward pack remains solid with the likes of Joe Heyes, Jamie George, and Ellis Genge upfront, supported by locks Alex Coles and captain Maro Itoje. The bench will again be forward-heavy, featuring six players who can bring impact and energy in the latter stages of the game.
"Reaching 50 caps is a special achievement and a reflection of the consistency both Sam and Marcus have shown in an England shirt. They have both worked extremely hard for this milestone and it’s a credit to them and the people who have supported them along the way."
The RFU has been under pressure to review Borthwick's position following the defeat to Italy, but the focus remains on the immediate challenge. England steps into the Stade de France aiming to thwart a French side that has shown formidable form this season.
England team v France: Elliot Daly, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith, Ben Spencer, Ben Earl, Guy Pepper, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Maro Itoje (c), Joe Heyes, Jamie George, Ellis Genge. Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith. Date: Saturday, 14 March, 2026 Kick-off: 21:10 local time (20:10 GMT) Venue: Stade de France, Paris TV: ITV, RTE Sport, France Télévisions, SuperSport, Sky Italia, Sky NZ, Stan Sports, Peacock Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
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In a bold yet controversial move, England's head coach Steve Borthwick has decided to maintain the bulk of his squad, making only a single change to the starting XV for the upcoming showdown against France. Despite recent setbacks, including a historic loss to Italy, Borthwick's team selection signals a clear strategy of continuity as they prepare to salvage pride in Paris.
Ollie Chessum is set to replace the injured Tom Curry on the blindside flank, marking the only alteration to the starting lineup. This change prompts a shuffle in the back-row, with Guy Pepper shifting to openside flanker and Ben Earl retaining his number eight jersey. The core of the team remains unchanged, as Borthwick aims to foster team cohesion amidst a challenging Six Nations campaign.
The backline sees no new faces with Elliot Daly, Tom Roebuck, and Cadan Murley continuing as the back-three. Midfielders Tommy Freeman and Seb Atkinson, alongside half-backs Fin Smith and Ben Spencer, will also maintain their positions. The bench features familiar figures including potential milestone celebrants, flanker Sam Underhill and fly-half Marcus Smith, both poised to earn their 50th caps.
"It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side. England versus France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby and we’re looking forward to the occasion."
The forward pack remains solid with the likes of Joe Heyes, Jamie George, and Ellis Genge upfront, supported by locks Alex Coles and captain Maro Itoje. The bench will again be forward-heavy, featuring six players who can bring impact and energy in the latter stages of the game.
"Reaching 50 caps is a special achievement and a reflection of the consistency both Sam and Marcus have shown in an England shirt. They have both worked extremely hard for this milestone and it’s a credit to them and the people who have supported them along the way."
The RFU has been under pressure to review Borthwick's position following the defeat to Italy, but the focus remains on the immediate challenge. England steps into the Stade de France aiming to thwart a French side that has shown formidable form this season.
England team v France:
Elliot Daly, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith, Ben Spencer, Ben Earl, Guy Pepper, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Maro Itoje (c), Joe Heyes, Jamie George, Ellis Genge.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith.
Date: Saturday, 14 March, 2026
Kick-off: 21:10 local time (20:10 GMT)
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
TV: ITV, RTE Sport, France Télévisions, SuperSport, Sky Italia, Sky NZ, Stan Sports, Peacock
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)