England have a chance to bounce back after a disappointing defeat in Cardiff on Saturday. Photo: Shutterstock/Chris Fairweather
England's World Cup preparations continue on Saturday with Wales yet again after defeat in Cardiff.
Steve Borthwick won only two of his first six matches as manager England and hopes to gain momentum with the World Cup just around the corner. .
With this in mind, Telegraph Sport's rugby experts choose the England 23 team they would like to see at Twickenham.
Gavin Meirs Gavin Meirs England XV to play Wales
Replacements: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinclair, Johnny Hill, Lewis Ludlum, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Joe Marchant
With a 33-man team selected, England need a result to build some momentum and confidence, so time for a team much closer to the one likely to start against Argentina. If Billy Vunipola is in good shape, he should start as he desperately needs playing time — Ollie Chessum too, but if not, another game for George Martin will give him more experience and Johnny Hill will be able to cover the bench. Ben Earle is another player whose confidence will be bolstered by a post-season start on the periphery.
Elliot Daly is likely to be used predominantly on the left flank during the World Cup, while Henry Arundell's entry at full-back will add speed and cunning to the three backs.
Daniel Schofield Daniel XV Schofield will play Wales
Substitutes: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Will Stewart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Ben Youngs, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant.
Time to pick up the pace. It sounds ludicrous to think of warming up ahead of the World Cup, but with an upcoming trip to Dublin, England are desperate for a boost on Saturday. As far as momentum goes, it seems like a good time to check out a pair of bruised brothers in the center of Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence.
What the midfield lacks in subtlety, the three defenders make up for in football ability. The Pack needs to make a name for themselves at the start too, so with the exception of Ellis Genge who emptied the tank in Cardiff, we're going full blast at Twickenham.
Charlie Morgan Charlie Morgan in England XV against Wales
Replacements: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinclair, Ollie Chessum, Lewis Ludlam, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Joe Marchant
A strong team to make a name for themselves and gain momentum, experiment with midfield and be able to make adjustments during the game. Henry Arundell's fullback would also be useful. I'm intrigued if England can flood the wide channels with him, Daly, Watson and Earl.
They should shoot here, if only to (re)attract supporters. George and Itohé must seize control of the standard. Speaking of this area, Marler starts with a loose footing and Earl is at the base of the scrum on the condition that Billy Vunipole needs one more week. With David Ribbans failing his head injury assessment at Cardiff, Johnny Hill should return if Ollie Chessum isn't ready.
Ben Cowles Ben Cowles (England XV) to play Wales
Substitutions: Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Dan Cole, Ollie Chessum*, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Kare, George Ford, Elliot Daley while David Ribbans is unsure of his assessment of the head injury against Wales. It is worth noting that if all these players are out of shape, then England lacks a striker. However, there is much to like about this side.
A chance for Henry Arundell to impress on the wing would be welcome, while a combination of Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence — strictly 12 and 13 in that order, according to Steve Borthwick — must be considered. Ben Earl and Lewis Ludlam are Billy Wunipole's top front at number 8, so Earl also needs a chance to show what he can do.
*= if suitable, otherwise Johnny Hill called up
Charles Richardson England XV Charles Richardson to fight Wales
Replacements: Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl , Ben Youngs, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant.
Shout «Chaos!» and release the dogs of war. After last weekend, England simply has to win — and win well — to get themselves and their fans back on the right and narrow path. This means the return of most of the big guns.
Owen Farrell detained for one week; we know what the captain brings to the party and who knows, at some World Cup this team might have to do without him. Freddie Steward, one of the few lighthouses in Cardiff, is taking a break, while Henry Arundell offers something a little different from behind. A partnership in the center strikes, as does a back-five in the scrum.
As for versatility, the buzzword in Monday's England squad announcement giving Maro Itoha a six-point lead and Courtney Lawes at point-blank range is quite reasonable. They can always switch if things go wrong. And Billy Vunipole just needs some rugby in his belt — desperately. Like my colleagues, Johnny Hill can replace Ollie Chessum if Leicester Castle doesn't fit.
Fiona Thomas «England XV» Fiona Thomas to face Wales
Substitutions: Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinclair, Ben Earle, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Kare, George Ford, Elliot Daly.
Players know where they are now, so this exercise cannot be in vain. Courtney Lowes and Joe Marler still need a few minutes on their feet, as does Billy Vunipola, who, provided he's in uniform and shoots, leads the group. There has been worryingly a lot of talk about dropping experience when it comes to England's secondary options, so I wish Theo Dan had relieved Jamie George of his duties sooner.
The same goes for Bevan Rodd. The backline is based on pace and strength. We already know about the world-class Freddie Steward's abilities, but Henry Arundell's job is to live up to the hype. Time to go — no more excuses.
Who would you pick against Wales at Twickenham? Do you agree with our author's choice? Join the conversation in the comments section below
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