Marcus Smith and Henry Arundell start for England in third-place play-off against Argentina
Henry Arundell starts at left wing for England
©Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
England head coach Steve Borthwick has made sweeping changes to the line up for the Rugby World Cup third-place play-off against Argentina.
Flanker Tom Curry is set to win his 50th cap for England a week after he claimed that he was abused by South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi in the semi-final fixture.
Marcus Smith has recovered from his injury to start at fullback with skipper Owen Farrell continuing at fly-half and George Ford on the bench.
Freddie Steward makes a shift to right wing replacing Jonny May while Henry Arundell starts at left wing at the expense of Elliot Daly. Joe Marchant and Manu Tuilagi have retained their midfield partnership while Ben Youngs is set to make his first start of the tournament at scrum-half.
In an all-new looking front-row Ellis Genge, Theo Dan and Will Stuart will be starting while Ollie Chessum returns to second row joining Maro Itoje.
Courtney Lawes has played his final game for England after announcing retirement earlier in the week and is replaced at back row by Tom Curry.
“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.
“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.
“Our support from the many England fans, both at home and from those who have travelled to France to watch the team play, has been nothing short of fantastic. We are incredibly grateful to have your backing, and on behalf of the entire England Team, I would like to thank you all once again”.
England XV: Smith; Steward, Marchant, Tuilagi, Arundell; Farrell (capt), Youngs; Genge, Dan, Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, Curry, Underhill, Earl.
Reserves: George, Rodd, Cole, Ribbans, Ludlam, Care, Ford, Lawrence.
