England Women confirm matchday squad for France clash

England Women head coach Simon Middleton has confirmed the matchday squad for the upcoming clash against France to be played at Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.

Newly crowned World Rugby Player of the Year Emily Scarratt has been appointed vice-captain of the side while Sarah Hunter will lead them.

“We’ve decided to name Emily Scarratt as vice-captain for this game and moving forwards," said Middleton.

“We’re really looking forward to Saturday’s match and what we know will be a tough test but a challenge we’ll relish."

Both England and France faced each other twice this year with the red rose team winning both the occasions with a margin of 41-26 (Women's Six Nations) and 20-18 (Super Series).

England Women starting line-up: 15 Sarah McKenna,14 Abby Dow,13 Emily Scarratt, 12 Zoe Harrison, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Katy Daley-McLean, 9 Leanne Riley, 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Davies, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Zoe Aldcroft, 5 Abbie Scott, 6 Sarah Beckett, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Sarah Hunter (c)

Reserves: 16 Heather Kerr,17 Ellena Perry, 18 Shaunagh Brown,19 Poppy Cleall, 20 Vicky Fleetwood, 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Emily Scott, 23 Lydia Thompson

France Women starting line-up: 15 Jessy Tremouliere, 14 Caroline Boujard, 13 Camille Boudaud, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 11 Marine Menager, 10 Caroline Drouin, 9 Pauline Bourdon, 1 Annaelle Deshayes, 2 Agathe Sochat, 3 Clara Joyeux, 4 Lenaig Corson, 5 Safi N’Diaye, 6 Marjorie Mayans, 7 Gaelle Hermet, 8 Romane Menager

Reserves: 16 Caroline Thomas, 17 Dhia Traore, 18 Chloe Pelle, 19 Celine Ferer, 20 Julie Annery, 21 Laure Sansus, 22 Morgane Peyronnet, 23 Ian Jason