Alex Mitchell starts for England in World Cup opener against Argentina

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Alex Mitchell in the starting line up for their Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina to be played at Stade de Marseille on Saturday.

Mitchell, who was not part of the initial squad will be forming half-back partnership with vice-captain George Ford at fly-half. Courtney Lawes captains the side in the absence of Owen Farrell, who is serving a suspension with Tom Curry returning from an injury to be part of the back row that also has Ben Earl.

Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum will be partnering in the second row with Ellis Genge and Dan Cole being the preferred props and Jamie George at hooker.

Elliot Daly has recovered from a knee injury to start at left wing with Jonny May joining him at right while Freddie Steward completes the back three. Joe Marchant and Manu Tuilagi, who started in the defeat against Ireland will continue to remain at midfield.

Danny Care will provide cover to Mitchell on the bench over Ben Youngs with Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, George Martin, Lewis Ludlam, Marcus Smith and Ollie Lawrence completing the rest of the replacements.

England line up: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge

Reserves: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 George Martin, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Danny Care, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Ollie Lawrence