Steve Borthwick names his England team to play France as
Le Crunch returns to Twickenham this week in what promises to be a blockbuster clash.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Saturday’s second round Guinness Six Nations Test match will be the 111th game between England and France since the first meeting in 1906.
France started their Six Nations campaign in devastating style last weekend, putting Wales to the sword. Now, they return to Twickenham with memories of their 53-10 demolition of England last year still fresh in their minds.
After a bruising defeat in Dublin, Steve Borthwick’s side are desperate to get back on track – but changes are coming.
Scroll down for the England team to play France.
Up front, vice-captain Ellis Genge packs down at loosehead alongside Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker and Will Stuart at tighthead. Captain Maro Itoje is joined by powerhouse George Martin in the second row.
The back row sees Tom Willis earn his first England start at No.8, flanked by Tom Curry on the blindside and Ben Earlat openside.
At half-back, Fin Smith gets the nod at fly-half for his first Test start, linking up with Alex Mitchell at scrum-half. The midfield pairing sees Henry Slade slot in at inside centre, with Ollie Lawrence outside him at 13.
The back three features a return for Ollie Sleightholme on the left wing, while Tommy Freeman takes the right. Marcus Smith shifts to full-back to round off the starting XV.
On the bench, vice-captain Jamie George is joined by Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Harry Randall and Elliot Daly in a 6-2 split.
BORTHWICK SAID:
“England versus France is an incredible fixture to be involved in,” said Borthwick. “We’re looking forward to being back at Allianz Stadium in front of our home supporters, for what I am sure will be a great game of rugby.”
Key details
When: Saturday, February 8 – 4:45 PM (UK)
Where: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
How to watch: Live on ITV (UK) – follow live updates on ESPN
Where: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
How to watch: Live on ITV (UK) – follow live updates on ESPN
Match officials
- Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GEO)
- Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (ITA) & Damian Schneider (ARG)
- TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
England team to play France (probable XV)
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 40 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 70 caps)
11. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 67 caps) – vice-captain
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 46 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 89 caps) – captain
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 57 caps)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 38 caps)
8. Tom Willis (Saracens, 2 caps)
Replacements:
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 97 caps) – vice-captain
17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 6 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 24 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 12 caps)
21. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
22. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 12 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 69 caps)
Predictor Game:
If you are not sure, simply hit 'Shuffle' and you will be given an automated prediction.
Once you are happy with the selection, hit 'Submit Prediction' to enter.
You will receive points if either/both of your predictions occur during the live match.
POINTS
5 Points: Total Tries Correct
15 Points: Time of 1st Try Correct
15 Points: Time of 1st Try Correct
A winner will be selected from those with the most points at the end of the game week
Editors Picks:
- Statement: Joe Schmidt to leave Australia
- Steve Borthwick’s England exit date as head coach confirmed
- France team to play England – 2025 Six Nations
- Antoine Dupont includes England star on his list of toughest opponents
- Legendary ref Nigel Owens recently got married, he’s now starting a family
England Rugby WAGs
Katie George – Jamie George’s Partner in Life
Katie and Jamie George have been a power couple for years. The Saracens hooker wed Katie in 2020 after six years of dating, with teammate Elliot Daly standing as best man. Their love story is a strong one, showing a deep bond and unwavering support for each other.
Mimi Fall – Maro Itoje’s Fiancée
The towering Maro Itoje recently put a ring on it! The 30-year-old popped the question on a holiday to Nigeria, and his now-fiancée, Mimi Fall, said yes.
Known for being private, Maro shared the news with fans through Mimi's Instagram, where England teammate Marcus Smith was quick to congratulate the happy couple.
Mimi is not only a model but also an artist, and she and Maro first met while modelling together.
Megan Slade – Henry Slade’s Wife and Businesswoman
Henry Slade and his wife, Megan, tied the knot in 2022, and they share two beautiful children.
Megan runs a children’s fashion line, Olive & Bud, known for high-quality basics with soft, earthy color palettes, co-founded with another new mum.
This Devon-based brand is gaining popularity, and Megan is as hands-on in her business as she is with her family.
Atdhetare Hoxha – George Ford’s Resilient Partner
England fly-half George Ford is riding high in life, not only on the field but also at home, with his wife Atdhetare and their new baby.
Atdhetare has an inspiring journey, arriving in the UK as a child refugee from Kosovo. Driven by passion, she opened her own Italian restaurant, Sorella, in Saddleworth in 2020, bringing her love for food to life after overcoming a challenging past.
Her resilience is a source of strength for George.
Beth Dolling – Marcus Smith’s Glamorous Girlfriend
The Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith has been dating model and singer Beth Dolling since 2019, and the pair regularly give fans a glimpse into their romance on social media.
Beth, who’s worked with M MODELS MANAGEMENT and appeared in campaigns for PrettyLittleThing, has over 35,000 followers on Instagram.
She’s also an aspiring singer, sharing clips of her vocals on a separate Instagram account, described simply as "Just some girl that likes to sing."
Mike and Zara Tindall are among rugby union’s five richest couples
From high-profile partnerships to humble beginnings, these power pairs have amassed impressive fortunes while leaving a lasting legacy. With stories of childhood love, philanthropic missions, and royal connections, each couple brings their own unique flair to the game.
Here’s a look at the top rugby couples whose bonds—and bank accounts—have made them iconic.
Johnny & Laura Sexton – The Dublin Dream Team (£6m)
From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby’s wealthiest pairs, Johnny and Laura Sexton have captured fans’ hearts as much as Johnny’s kicks have clinched games. Their love story began at Rathgar Tennis Club, blossoming all the way to marriage in 2013.
With three kids cheering on dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is on it. The couple’s journey—from Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin—stands as a testament to commitment and love.
Siya & Rachel Kolisi – The Power Couple with a Purpose (£10m)
Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s £10 million empire wasn’t just built on rugby; it’s infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.
Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya’s life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa’s “golden couple” lives on.
Mike & Zara Tindall – Royal Connections and Reality TV (£20m)
“Fridge” by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall’s wealth and fame go beyond rugby. Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike’s career has been nothing short of resilient.
Since retirement, he’s taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. His estimated £20 million fortune proves rugby and royalty make quite the combo.
Jonny & Shelley Wilkinson – A Hero’s Quiet Empire (£22m)
Jonny Wilkinson isn’t just a legend on the field; he’s a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.
They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they’re embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny’s legacy as one of rugby’s finest is matched by his financial success and family’s privacy.
Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – The Ring, the Romance, and the Riches (£20m)
Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he’s carved a unique sports career.
His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple’s success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements.
Editors Picks:
- Schalk Burger Named His Four Toughest Opponents
- Another England legend is close to being declared bankrupt
- Mike Tindall Says Both His and Zara’s Daughters Are Smashing It at Rugby
- Statement: Wales confirm their squad for the 2025 Six Nations
- Sir Clive Woodward names his England backline – and it’s raising eyebrows!
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.
Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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