England team to play France: Ford and George named co-captains
Rugby NewsThursday, 19 June 2025 at 14:00
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his England team to play a France XV at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 21 June (kick-off 3.15pm). George Ford and Jamie George are named as co-captains, for this uncapped fixture to ignite England's Summer campaign of Argentina and the USA.
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In the front row, Fin Baxter starts at loosehead, alongside George at hooker and Joe Heyes at tighthead. The second-row features Alex Coles partnered with Nick Isiekwe.
The back row sees Ted Hill on the blindside flank, his club teammate and last weekend’s Premiership Final player of the match Guy Pepper on the openside, with Tom Willis at No.8 to complete the pack.
The half-back pairing is Ben Spencer at scrum-half with Ford at fly-half. In midfield, Seb Atkinson lines up at inside centre with Henry Slade outside him at 13. The back three is made up of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the left wing, Tom Roebuck on the right, and Joe Carpenter at full-back.
Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Jack Kenningham, Alex Dombrandt, Raffi Quirke and Oscar Beard are named as replacements.
“We're excited to be playing at Allianz Stadium and to test ourselves against a strong French side,” said Borthwick. I’m really looking forward to seeing this young team get out there and show what they’re capable of. It’s a great opportunity to take another step forward ahead of the summer Tour to Argentina and the US.”
England’s summer Tour includes two Tests in Argentina, followed by a match against the USA in Washington, D.C. The Tour squad will be announced on Monday 23 June.
ENGLAND XV TO PLAY FRANCE XV
15. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 72 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 8 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 99 caps) – co-captain
9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 8 caps)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 11 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 101 caps) – co-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps)
4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 15 caps)
6. Ted Hill (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
7. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
8. Tom Willis (Saracens, 6 caps)
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 17 caps)
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
19. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 15 caps)
20. Jack Kenningham (Harlequins, uncapped)
21. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 20 caps)
22. Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
23. Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)
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Meet the rugby WAGS of the English Lions ahead of Australia tour
From sun-soaked selfies to emotional sideline cheers, these stunning partners are set to be front and centre throughout the campaign, making headlines of their own.
Here’s a look at the women who’ll be backing the boys — and turning heads — every step of the way..
Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)
Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.
She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all:
“No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”
They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.
Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)
The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.
The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.
Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.
Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.
Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"
Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)
Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.
Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
Meg - Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)
Fellow England vice-captain Ellis Genge is in a relationship with his partner Meg. The blonde beauty often stays out of the spotlight, so not much is known about her, however, the pair share two sons, who Ellis absolutely dotes on.
Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)
Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.
The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.
Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)
Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.
Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)
Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.
Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
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