England may have fallen foul to the Springboks in last week's semi-final match in Paris, but they aren't done yet. They return to the Stade de France on Friday night to take on Argentina in a match that will determine the third-place finishers.
Despite being possibly the least desired match to be a part of in the whole tournament, this is still a match that Steve Borthwick's men will desperately want to win.
In the true form of a classic third/fourth place play-off match, the England side has been named with clear attacking intent, with the inclusion of Henry Arundell who already has a 5:1 try scoring ratio in World Cup matches.
Henry Arundell lines up on the wing alongside Freddie Steward, with Marcus Smith settling in at fullback. Joe Marchant and Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell retain their combination in the centre of the field, whilst record appearance holder Ben Youngs appears at 9 in what will most likely be his final ever England match.
Courtney Lawes is replaced by Sam Underhill on the flank the only change in the backrow, whilst Ollie Chessum returns to partner Maro Itoje in the row. An all-changed front row of Ellis Genge, Theo Dan, and Will Stuart leads the charge for England.
“After the disappointment of last weekend’s game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted,” said Borthwick.
“The Bronze Final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris. The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side.
“Our support from the many England fans, both at home and from those who have travelled to France to watch the team play, has been nothing short of fantastic. We are incredibly grateful to have your backing and on behalf of the entire England Team I would like to thank you all once again”.
England squad:
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 29 caps)
14. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 25 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 58 caps)
11. Henry Arundell (Racing 92, 9 caps)
10. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 111 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 126 caps)
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 57 caps)
2. Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 75 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 24 caps)
Replacements:
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 84 caps)
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)
18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 106 caps)
19. David Ribbans (Toulon, 9 caps)
20. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 24 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 95 caps)
22. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 90 caps)
23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
0 Comments