Virimi Vakatawa returns for France for Twickenham clash against England

France have received a much-needed boost ahead of their fourth round Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham with Virimi Vakatawa returning to the line-up.

The 28-year-old last played for France during the Autumn Nations Cup last year and missed the opening two rounds of the Six Nations with a knee injury but now will be partnering Gael Fickou in the midfield.

With Gabin Villiere injured, Teddy Thomas comes in as Damian Penaud moves from right wing to left. Matthieu Jalibert continues to have the fly-half role despite Romain Ntamack returning from a jaw injury.

"Matthieu has a momentum, he played the last two games with us and he performed really well," head coach Fabien Galthie said.

"Romain is back and he has played one game with Toulouse. On current form and given the momentum, the decision is logical."

While the front-row remains unchanged, Bernard le Roux’s absence sees Romain Taofifenua partnering in second row along with Paul Willemse with the final change coming with Dylan Cretin preferred at blindside over Anthony Jelonch.

The bench also sees three additions with Camille Chat, Jean-Baptiste Gros and Ntamack coming into the matchday squad.

France currently are at second place in the Six Nations table with wins in both their games while their third round game against Scotland was postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in Les Bleus' camp.

France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Damian Penaud, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Dylan Cretin, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Romain Taofifenua, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille

Reserves: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Cyril Cazeaux, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Anthony Jelonch, 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Romain Ntamack