England will make just one change to their lineup for their final Six Nations match against France, with Ollie Chessum set to start at blindside flanker. This change comes after a challenging 23-18 defeat to Italy last week, marking England’s third straight loss in the competition. Coach Steve Borthwick is determined to finish the tournament strong, despite their struggles in recent matches. The game will take place on Saturday against a France team that is still fighting for the Six Nations title, making this a crucial clash.
After England’s historic loss to Italy, Borthwick made significant alterations to his squad, including nine personnel changes following back-to-back defeats against Scotland and Ireland. However, for the final game, Borthwick is sticking with a near-identical team, with only Chessum replacing Sam Underhill in the starting lineup. Underhill, who will make his 50th appearance for England, is set to come off the bench, while Marcus Smith, also earning his 50th cap, will be part of the squad.
Underhill’s journey with England started in 2017 during the team’s match against Argentina, while Smith made his debut in 2021 against the United States. Both players have played crucial roles in the team’s progress over the years, and Borthwick has praised their dedication and consistency. He noted that earning 50 caps is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work both players have put into their England careers.
The decision to replace Underhill with Chessum stems from the latter’s performance as a substitute against Italy. Chessum, who came on late in the match, impressed with his work in the set-piece and his ball carrying, which made him a strong contender for the starting role. This will also give England the chance to field a dynamic trio in the back row, with Tom Curry, who was a late withdrawal last week, expected to play alongside Chessum and Alex Coles, who has steadily improved throughout the Six Nations.
Borthwick is confident that this squad is the right combination to face the formidable French side, despite their recent struggles. France, still hoping to clinch the Six Nations title, will be a tough challenge after their narrow 50-40 loss to Scotland. Borthwick is well aware of the challenge ahead, but he remains optimistic. “It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side,” he said. “England vs France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby, and we’re looking forward to the occasion.”
Looking ahead to the match, Borthwick is counting on his senior players to step up and lead the team. “I met with the senior player group today, and this is one of those games where the senior players really need to step forward,” he added. “That’s what I expect them to do this weekend.”
With the stakes high for both teams, England’s focus will be on closing out the tournament with a solid performance. Borthwick’s squad may have faced challenges, but with the blend of experience and fresh energy, they will be aiming for a strong finish against a title-chasing French side. All eyes will be on Paris, where England hopes to reignite their Six Nations campaign with a much-needed win.
England’s Line-Up for Final Six Nations Showdown Against France
Steve Borthwick has named his squad for England’s crucial Six Nations clash with France, making just one change from the side that faced Italy. Ollie Chessum will start at blindside flanker, replacing Sam Underhill, who will earn his 50th cap off the bench. With a point to prove after three consecutive losses, England’s team is ready to face the title-chasing French on Saturday in Paris.
Starting XV:
- Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 79 caps) – Vice-captain
- Jamie George (Saracens, 109 caps) – Vice-captain
- Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
- Maro Itoje (Saracens, 101 caps) – Captain
- Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 18 caps)
- Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 34 caps)
- Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)
- Ben Earl (Saracens, 50 caps)
- Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 17 caps)
- Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
- Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 5 caps)
- Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 3 caps)
- Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 26 caps)
- Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 11 caps)
- Elliot Daly (Saracens, 75 caps)
Replacements:
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 57 caps)
- Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 14 caps)
- Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
- Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 21 caps)
- Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 49 caps)
- Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 9 caps)
- Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
- Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 49 caps)
