Steve Borthwick has handed the No.10 shirt to the Harlequin with Fin Smith on the bench while the decision to start Maro Itoje against Eddie Jones' Japan has come under scrutiny.
England captain Jamie George said the team will not be bothered by any mind games from their former head coach Eddie Jones as they face Japan in the upcoming encounter in Tokyo on Saturday.
George Ford started all five of England’s Six Nations matches but with the Sale No.10 ruled out through injury, opportunity knocks this summer for two of Borthwick’s brightest talents.
Kyle Sinckler will have the opportunity to conclude his English rugby career in style by making his debut for the Barbarians against Fiji at Twickenham next month.
Beard is hoping Quins can fight their way into the Premiership's top four - and is also looking at the bigger picture as he targets a place on the plane to New Zealand.