England overhaul squad for Argentina as George Ford reaches 100 caps

George Ford will win his 100th England cap in Saturday’s Test against Argentina, as head coach Steve Borthwick unveils a heavily rotated starting XV.

Ford returns to the No.10 jersey and will steer the backline in the absence of Owen Farrell, who remains rested following his recent British & Irish Lions call-up.

The Leicester fly-half, one of England’s most trusted game managers, expressed pride in reaching the centurion mark.

“Reaching 100 caps is beyond special to me, and I can’t wait to lead the side out,” Ford said ahead of the match.

Joining him in the half-back partnership is Ben Youngs, another seasoned campaigner, ensuring continuity and control in England's playmaking core.

The back three sees a complete makeover. Max Malins starts at full-back, while Joe Cokanasiga and Anthony Watson are named on the wings, bringing a mix of pace, aerial prowess, and finishing ability.

In the midfield, Ollie Lawrence returns, with Henry Slade offering left-footed kicking options at outside centre.

In the forwards, Ellis Genge starts in the front row, joined by Theo Dan and Will Stuart, as England look to assert dominance in the scrum.

Charlie Ewels returns to the second row alongside George Martin, while the back row is refreshed with the inclusion of Sam Underhill, Ben Earl, and Alex Dombrandt.

Borthwick said the reshuffled side reflects both strategic rotation and performance merit.

“This squad gives us flexibility—youthful energy and senior know-how—exactly what we need for different phases of the game,” he noted.

England XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Will Muir, 10 George Ford (cc), 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Ben Curry, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Charlie Ewels, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (cc), 1 Fin Baxter

Reserves: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Alex Dombrandt, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Cadan Murley