England recall Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola for Wales World Cup warm-up at Twickenham
- Published
- comments
Owen Farrell will captain England against Wales from fly-half
Steve Borthwick has reacted to Saturday's defeat in Cardiff by naming an experienced team for the return fixture against Wales at Twickenham.
Owen Farrell captains from fly-half, with hooker Jamie George, lock Maro Itoje and number eight Billy Vunipola coming into the forwards.
There is also a start for Henry Arundell on the right wing, with Elliot Daly on the left, among 11 changes.
Lock Jonny Hill is on the bench despite missing out on the World Cup squad.
It is the first team Borthwick has selected since naming his 33-man World Cup squad on Monday.
Last season's Premiership Player of the Season Ollie Lawrence will partner Joe Marchant in the centres.
Marchant is one of four players to retain his spot from last weekend's defeat by Wales, alongside full-back Freddie Steward, prop Will Stuart and lock George Martin.
Ben Earl will make his first start for England after 15 previous appearances as a replacement, while Ellis Genge is expected to win his 50th cap from the bench.
"We are very much looking forward to our return to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, and the opportunity to play in front of our supporters again," said Borthwick.
"England versus Wales is always a special fixture, and we are pleased to be playing the visitors again so soon.
"We're delighted for Ellis, who will win his 50th cap from the bench.
"He's a brilliant professional, both on and off the field, and I'm sure Saturday will be a very proud moment for him and his family."
Saturday's game against Wales will be England's penultimate warm-up game at home before the World Cup in France.
Borthwick's men travel to Ireland on 19 August before ending their preparations against Fiji at Twickenham the following weekend.
England team to face Wales: Steward; Arundell, Marchant, Lawrence, Daly; Farrell (capt), Van Poortvliet; Marler, George, Stuart, Itoje, Martin, Lawes, Earl, B Vunipola.
Replacements: Dan, Genge, Cole, Hill, Willis, Youngs, Ford, Malins