England name Elliott Daly in XV for Six Nations' opener against France

Wasps centre Elliot Daly has been named in the starting line-up in England's Six Nations clash against France at Twickenham on 4th February.

This will be the 24-year-old's third start in the wing and will be looking to redeem himself after the red card sanction he obtained during the autumn international clash against Argentina following which he was banned for three weeks as well.

Exeter Chiefs fullback Jack Nowell has been named on the bench after he missing the training session on Tuesday due to personal reasons and rejoined the camp on Thursday.

Chris Robshaw's shoulder surgery meant Saracens' Maro Itoje has been handed a start at blindside flanker while Joe Marler, who was recently declared fit from a fractured leg will take up the position at loosehead prop.

Wasps lock Joe Launchbury also returns to the second-row after George Kruis was ruled out of the clash against Guy Noves' men with a knee injury.

"We've been able to select a very strong and experienced team to play against France and we are excited to get the tournament under way," head coach Eddie Jones said.

James Haskell, who returns to the international arena after almost seven months hiatus finds himself among the replacements.

Wary of the threat France possess, England boss Jones is determined to start their Six Nations title defence well and extend the winning streak to 15 games.

"There's a great rivalry between the countries so we're looking forward to a great occasion playing against one of England's oldest foes," Jones said.

"In rugby terms you've traditionally got two contrasting styles - French flair and England's dogged conservative approach - but we want to be absolutely daring against the French in this first game and set the standard for the tournament.

"Guy Noves likes a big team. He picks a traditional French forward pack with squat front-rowers who scrummage well, big locks who give a lot of ballast and athletic back-rowers.

"It's based on size and crunching that gain line, getting an off-load and then playing with flair.

"Of course it gives you an opportunity when you've got a big forward pack against you and we intend to exploit that.

"We want to get better all of the time, we are ambitious and we want to be the number one team in the world.

"It's exciting to be back at Twickenham. We've got great supporters and we're looking forward to hearing them turn the volume up on Saturday."

England team to face France: Mike Brown; Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley (captain), Dan Cole; Joe Launchbury; Courtney Lawes; Maro Itoje, Tom Wood, Nathan Hughes.

Replacements: Jamie George, Matt Mullan, Kyle Sinckler, Teimana Harrison, James Haskell, Danny Care, Ben Te'o, Jack Nowell.