Alex Coles to make England debut against Argentina
Owen Farrell will be captaining England against Argentina
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England coach Eddie Jones has handed Northampton's Alex Coles debut in their autumn international opener against Argentina to be played at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.
Coles has been impressive for his club Northampton and was named their breakthrough player last season. He will be starting in the second row along with Jonny Hill.
Owen Farrell has returned and will take over the captaincy forming midfield partnership with Manu Tuilagi while Billy Vunipola is named at number eight with his brother Mako on the bench. Maro Itoje moves to flanker as a cover for injured Courtney Lawes and joining him on the back row is Tom Curry.
Jonny May, who was named on the squad after recovering from a dislocated elbow misses out with Jones preferring Jack Nowell and Joe Cokanasiga at wings and Freddie Steward at fullback.
Marcus Smith takes the kicking responsibility with Ben Youngs returning at scrum half ahead of Jack van Poortvliet while the front row comprises of Kyle Sinckler, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ellis Genge.
David Ribbans could make his debut from the bench that also has Sam Simmonds, Jack Willis, Joe Heyes, Jack Singleton, Mako, van Poortvliet and Henry Slade.
“It’s been a really good week of preparation and I’ve been very pleased with the squad’s attitude,” he said.
“They’ve shown real work ethic and a determination to improve and our leaders, Owen, Ellis and Jack have really lifted the team.
“We’re looking forward to a great game of rugby at a full Twickenham Stadium against a very good Argentina side. It’s been a tough time for rugby lately and we hope that these autumn games show just what a special game it is.”
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Maro Itoje, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge
Reserves: 16 Jack Singleton, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 David Ribbans, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Jack Willis, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Henry Slade
