George Ford RECALLED to England team for Autumn Nations Cup clash against Wales… with captain Owen Farrell shifting out to inside-centre after Ollie Lawrence is ruled out

By Nik Simon for MailOnline

Published: 11:02 GMT, 26 November 2020 | Updated: 11:12 GMT, 26 November 2020

England have restored George Ford to the No 10 jersey for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Cup game against Wales.

Ford is the only change to a rejigged back line, with Owen Farrell and Henry Slade shifting outwards to 12 and 13 following an injury to Ollie Lawrence.

Following the powerful victory over Ireland, Eddie Jones has kept faith in the same starting pack, alongside a ‘bomb squad’ bench featuring six forwards and two backs.

England have restored George Ford to the No 10 jersey for Saturday’s game against Wales

The change in the back-line comes after Ollie Lawrence was ruled out with an injury

‘We’re expecting another tough match, and at the home of Welsh Rugby where the heart and soul of their game is,’ said Jones.

‘Twelve months ago, Wales were Grand Slam champions and three points from a World Cup final, so we know what they are capable of.

‘We’ve picked the best 23 players for the battle and we’re looking forward to it greatly.’

Captain Owen Farrell moves out to inside-centre as a result of Ford’s inclusion for this weekend

Despite being part of the wider squad, prop Joe Marler has been left out of matchday 23 the squad altogether, after he controversially grabbed the genitals of Welsh skipper Alun-Wyn Jones in the previous meeting.

But flanker Jack Willis has been recalled to the bench, providing back-up to a back-row of Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Billy Vunipola.

Eddie Jones has left Joe Marler out of the entire squad while Jack Willis is recalled to the bench

The front-five remains the same, despite indications that Jonny Hill could step in for Joe Launchbury, who partners Maro Itoje in the second row, with Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler named in the front-row.

In the backs, Ben Youngs continues to start ahead of Dan Robson at scrum-half. Jonny May will have the chance to maintain his try-scoring form on the wing, alongside Jonathan Joseph and Elliot Daly.

Speedster Anthony Watson has also returned to fitness to feature on the bench.

ENGLAND TEAM VS WALES

STARTING XV: 15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 45 caps) 14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 53 caps) 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 32 caps) 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 86 caps) 11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 59 caps) 10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 70 caps) 9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 102 caps) 1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 62 caps) 2. Jamie George (Saracens, 52 caps) 3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 38 caps) 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 41 caps) 5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 67 caps) 6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 26 caps) 7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 20 caps) 8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 54 caps)

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 24 caps) 17. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps) 18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 6 caps) 19. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps) 20. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 6 caps) 21. Jack Willis (Wasps, 1 cap) 22. Dan Robson (Wasps, 5 caps) 23. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 44 caps)