Fin Smith and Marcus Smith are both in England's backline for Saturday's Six Nations clash against France at Twickenham, with Fin Smith starting at flyhalf for the first time.
England coach Steve Borthwick, whose side were beaten 27-22 by champions Ireland last week, has moved Marcus Smith to fullback in order to accommodate 22-year-old flyhalf Fin Smith at No 10.
That means Fin Smith will be alongside Alex Mitchell, his half-back partner at Northampton, with Freddie Steward, England's fullback in their tournament opener in Dublin, no longer in the matchday 23.
Tom Willis and Fin Smith have both been named in the starting line-up for the first time this weekend 🙌
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 6, 2025
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Ollie Sleightholme, another Northampton back, returns on the wing in place of the injured Cadan Murley.
Saracens star Tom Willis is brought in to add heft at No 8 against a France side that thrashed Wales 43-0 last week.
Willis now forms part of a revamped back row where Ben Earl moves to openside flanker and Ben Curry drops to a bench also featuring returning veterans Jamie George and Elliot Daly.
England have lost their last seven tests against major nations, with Borthwick hoping his decision to field both Smiths in the same starting side for the first time can derail France.
Fin Smith is seen as the more tactical flyhalf, with Marcus Smith providing a counter-attacking threat.
But Steward's absence could leave England exposed defensively at full-back against a France side, captained by star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who are renowned for their attacking threats.
Back in #GuinnessM6N action this weekend 👊
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 6, 2025
Steve Borthwick has named his match day squad to face France at @allianz_stad this Saturday 🌹@O2 | #WearTheRose
England (15-1):Marcus Smith; Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Tom Willis, Ben Earl, Tom Curry; George Martin, Maro Itoje (capt); Will Stuart, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge
Replacements: Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Harry Randall, Elliot Daly
Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)