Kyle Sinckler has recovered from a chest problem to return to England’s front row to face Japan on Sunday; Billy Vunipola is available again after completing a suspension but Steve Borthwick has preferred Lewis Ludlam at No 8; Joe Marler also comes into the starting XV
Last Updated: 15/09/23 5:00pm
Billy Vunipola (L) and Kyle Sinckler return to England’s squad to face Japan
Fit-again prop Kyle Sinckler has been named in England’s starting XV to face Japan in the Rugby World Cup on Sunday but Billy Vunipola will start on the bench on his return from suspension.
Sinckler has recovered from a chest problem to reclaim his place in Steve Borthwick’s side, while Joe Marler also comes into the front row.
Lewis Ludlam is preferred to Vunipola at No 8 with Ben Earl shifted from the back of the pack to flanker in place of Tom Curry, who serves the first of his two-game suspension having been sent off in England’s tournament-opening victory over Argentina last weekend.
Vunipola is available again having missed the opener through suspension, following a red card for a high tackle during a warm-up match against Ireland in August.
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England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth assures that there are more strengths within the team’s ‘armoury’ than George Ford’s drop-kick ability ahead of their clash with Japan on Sunday
England captain Owen Farrell is serving the final game of the four-match ban he received for a high tackle during a warm-up fixture against Wales earlier in August.
Alex Mitchell and Jonny May, who were both surprise starters against Argentina having been late additions to the squad, keep their places at scrum-half and wing, respectively.
The only other change to the squad comes on the bench, with Ben Youngs taking over from Danny Care as replacement scrum-half.
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Joe Marler, 2 Jamie George, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 7 Ben Earl, 8 Lewis Ludlam.
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 George Martin, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Ollie Lawrence.
Follow England’s Rugby World Cup match against Japan across Sky Sports’ digital platforms from 7.30pm, kick-off 8pm on Sunday.