Joe Marler set to start for England against France

Harlequins prop Joe Marler is set to return to England line-up for the Six Nations opening clash against France at Twickenham on Saturday.

The 26-year-old suffered a fractured leg while training ahead of Harlequins clash against Sale Sharks on 7th January which needed five weeks of rehabilitation period but following England's training camp in Portugal and a swift recovery, Marler is now poised for a return.

The news on Marler was confirmed by England forwards coach Steve Borthwick.

"Joe is looking good and has been taking a full part in training," said Borthwick,

"He's a fast healer! He's done really well, he has been incredibly diligent in terms of doing everything he can to get fit. That's great credit to him."

He faced stiff competition from Mako Vunipola, who was the preferred loosehead for Eddie Jones last year but with the Saracens prop suffering from a knee injury, Marler's return is a welcome news for the red rose team.

Borthwick insisted that healthy competition between the players will benefit the team.

"It's great that we have that competition for places at loosehead and we're trying to build that in every single position," Borthwick said.

"We want top international players competing hard and pushing each other. That's what Joe and Mako did last year.

"There have been a couple of knocks and bangs since, but it's great to have players of that quality."

Meanwhile, England's chances of title defence were further boosted after James Haskell and Jack Clifford were also cleared for the Sautrday's encounter against Guy Noves' men.