Curry returns for England against Japan

England coach Steve Borthwick has recalled Tom Curry to face Japan at Twickenham on Sunday as his side look to end a five-game losing streak with victory in their concluding November international.

Curry missed last week's 29-20 defeat by world champions South Africa after the flanker was knocked out tackling Australia's Rob Valetini during the 23rd minute of England's 42-37 defeat by the Wallabies at Twickenham on November 9.

It was the 26-year-old's flanker's second major head injury of the season after he was also removed from a club match for Sale in September, with Curry now having suffered five concussions in the last two years.

Concussion has become a major issue in several sports, with hundreds of former football, rugby union and rugby league players now taking legal action against governing bodies they allege failed to take reasonable action to protect them from permanent injury.

But England assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge insisted Wednesday that Curry was "100 per cent fit, healthy and ready to go".

The only other change to the starting side named by Borthwick on Friday saw George Furbank restored at full-back in place of Freddie Steward.

Japan were the last side beaten by England, with Borthwick's men cruising to a 52-17 win in Tokyo in June.

The Brave Blossoms, coached by former Red Rose boss Eddie Jones, have yet to enjoy a win over England.

Nevertheless, Borthwick said: "We anticipate a tough challenge from a team that thrives on playing fast and with tempo. Japan are a dangerous team so it's important that we execute our game plan and maintain focus throughout the full 80 minutes."

ENGLAND (15-1)

George Furbank; Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme; Marcus Smith, Jack van Poortvliet; Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry; George Martin, Maro Itoje; Will Stuart, Jamie George (capt), Ellis Genge

REPLACEMENTS: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Fin Baxter, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Nick Isiekwe, Chandler Cunningham-South, Harry Randall, Fin Smith, Tom Roebuck

COACH: Steve Borthwick (ENG)