George Ford returns at flyhalf in one of eight changes to England’s starting lineup for Saturday’s match against Uruguay in Manchester.
With England becoming the first home nation to fail to progress beyond the pool stage, coach Stuart Lancaster has understandably rung the changes for what will be their final clash at the tournament.
Henry Slade has been included at outside centre, with last Saturday’s starting flyhalf, Owen Farrell, shifting to 12 as Ford returns at pivot. Alex Goode will start at fullback, while Jack Nowell comes in on the left wing. Danny Care will wear the No 9 jersey.
In the pack, Mako Vunipola starts at loosehead prop, while James Haskell and Nick Easter form a new-look back row with captain Chris Robshaw.
Some of the changes have been enforced, with Lancaster confirming that Brad Barritt (arm), Courtney Lawes (knee), Ben Morgan (dead leg) and Ben Youngs (ankle) were battling with injuries.
England – 15 Alex Goode, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 James Haskell, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Mako Vunipola.
Subs: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 David Wilson, 19 George Kruis, 20 Tom Wood, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Mike Brown.
Photo: BackpagePix
