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George Ford has been handed the England fly-half shirt for Saturday’s autumn opener with Australia, with Tommy Freeman selected to start at outside centre.
As expected, national head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for Ford at No 10 ahead of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith for the meeting with the Wallabies.
Borthwick is preparing England for a crucial campaign, with Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina to follow Australia in arriving at Twickenham.
His big decision was over who to pick at fly-half and it is Ford that has won the battle.
The Sale man impressed in the position on England’s summer tour of Argentina and has been in fine form for Sale in PREM Rugby so far this season.
Ford is part of a Northampton-dominated back-line which involves Alex Mitchell at scrum-half and Fraser Dingwall and Freeman as the midfield pairing.
George Ford will start at fly-half for England against Australia ahead of Fin and Marcus Smith
Tommy Freeman (centre) will begin at centre this weekend instead of his usual wing position
‘We’re excited to begin our Quilter Nations Series campaign against Australia and to test ourselves against a strong, in-form side,’ said Borthwick.
England matchday squad for Australia - 3.10pm Saturday
Starting XV: Freddie Steward; Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Fin Baxter, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (capt), Ollie Chessum, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith
‘Australia have had four months together, so it’ll be a great challenge for us first up.
'We’ve worked hard with the time we’ve had and the players can’t wait to play in front of a passionate home crowd.
‘It’s another opportunity for us to take a step forward as a team.’
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Roebuck are on the wings, with Freddie Steward at full-back. The make-up of England’s back-row is fascinating.
Bath pair Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill start on the flanks with Ben Earl at No. 8.
In the pack, Fin Baxter, Jamie George and Joe Heyes make up the front row with Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum at lock.
Baxter starts ahead of Ellis Genge at loosehead and Heyes ahead of Stuart on the opposite side of the scrum.
Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie will win his 50th cap should he appear off the bench.
He is joined among the replacements by Genge, Stuart, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer and Fin Smith.
England’s bench is made up of six forwards and two backs.
Curry is set to make his first appearance of the season against Australia.
He underwent wrist surgery after the Lions tour and hasn’t played for Sale this term.
England head coach Steve Borthwick is preparing his team for a pivotal autumn campaign
There is no place in England’s matchday squad for backs Ollie Lawrence or Henry Slade.
On Cowan-Dickie’s 50-cap milestone, Borthwick added: ‘Luke is a fierce competitor who gives absolutely everything every time he pulls on an England shirt.
'Reaching 50 caps is a reflection of his consistency, resilience and commitment to the team over many years.
'We couldn’t be prouder of his achievement.’
