Rugby World Cup: Tom Curry starts for England in Argentina play-off

Tom Curry has been an ever-present in England's starting line-up after serving a two-match ban for his sending off against Argentina in September

Tom Curry starts England's World Cup third-place play-off against Argentina on Friday after a week of controversy.

The flanker's claim that he was abused by South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi in England's semi-final defeat is being investigated by World Rugby.

Elsewhere, Marcus Smith comes in at full-back and Henry Arundell is on the wing as two of eight new starters.

Scrum-half Ben Youngs makes his first start of the tournament in what will be his 127th and final England Test match.

Youngs, England's most capped men's player, joins Courtney Lawes in announcing his retirement from international rugby at the end of the tournament.

Back row Lawes has played his final England match after being left out of the 23-man matchday squad.

Sam Underhill makes his first appearance of the tournament after being called up to the squad as a replacement for Jack Willis during the pool stages.

Freddie Steward shifts from full-back to wing to accommodate Smith's inclusion, meaning there is no room for Johnny May as he contemplates ending his own international career.

Owen Farrell continues at fly-half, while coach Steve Borthwick opts for an all-new front row of Ellis Genge, Theo Dan and Will Stuart.

Ollie Chessum displaces George Martin in the second row to pack down alongside Maro Itoje.

"After the disappointment of last weekend's game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted," said Borthwick.

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"The bronze final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris.

"The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side. "

England beat the Pumas in the teams' opening match of the tournament in September, making light of Curry's third-minute red card to record a 27-10 victory.

England are playing in the third-place play-off for only the second time in their history, having previously lost to France in the 1995 bronze-medal game.

Meanwhile, Argentina have made three changes to their starting XV following the 44-6 semi-final thrashing by New Zealand.

Pedro Rubiolo comes in for Tomas Lavanini in the second row, Tomas Cubelli replaces Gonzalo Bertranou at scrum-half and Jeronimo de la Fuente starts ahead of Santiago Chocobares at inside centre.

There are 11 survivors from the starting XV beaten by England in their Pool D opener.

Argentina will be contesting the third-place play-off for a third time, winning it in 2007 but losing in 2015.

England: Smith; Steward, Marchant, Tuilagi, Arundell; Farrell (capt), Youngs; Genge, Dan, Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, Curry, Underhill, Earl.

Replacements: George, Rodd, Cole, Ribbans, Ludlam, Care, Ford, Lawrence.

Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, De la Fuente, M Carreras; S Carreras, Cubelli; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Kodela, Petti, Rubiolo, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa.

Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Velez, Sanchez, Moroni.