England team to play France: Itoje dropped, George Furbank returns

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After a humiliating defeat to Italy, their first in 33 meetings, Steve Borthwick’s side will be desperate to respond. France, meanwhile, still have everything to play for, setting up a daunting challenge as England look to restore credibility.

Furbank is arguably England’s standout fullback right now. While it’s understandable that he hasn’t featured yet as he works his way back from injury, if he isn’t available for the final match then it raises the question of why he was included in the squad in the first place. He appears fit enough, so England should give him the opportunity at 15 and allow him to show what he can offer.

Ideally, Freeman would be wearing the 13 jersey. However, after some underwhelming displays, Tom Roebuck could do with being left out, and Freeman is the most natural option in the squad to step onto the wing. As a result, the Northampton Saint moves back to his usual position.

Slade brings plenty of experience and is performing well at club level. Deploying him at outside centre provides stability and composure to the backline.

Although his Six Nations debut against Italy wasn’t his strongest showing, Atkinson has shown clear potential and has earned enough goodwill to be given another chance against France. Fraser Dingwall remains an option, but Atkinson’s higher ceiling makes him the more exciting pick.

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Options on the wing are limited. It’s essentially between Murley and Henry Arundell, who has struggled for form this tournament. Giving Arundell a breather could help ease the pressure, while Murley proved against Italy that he can slot in effectively and didn’t perform badly last weekend.

Smith had a difficult game against Italy, but he remains the most promising fly-half in the country. He deserves a run of matches to grow into the role. Despite the setback in Rome, his talent and maturity suggest he will bounce back, so England should avoid constant changes in this position.

Van Poortvliet offers more attacking spark than Ben Spencer, and that’s something England could use. With youth on his side, more game time will only aid his development.

Genge has been dependable throughout most of the Six Nations and is a straightforward selection at loosehead.

George’s experience is invaluable in the front row, and realistically he faces little competition for the starting hooker role at the moment.

Heyes has been one of England’s most consistent performers this year and deserves to retain his place.

Maro Itoje’s absence stands out, but after a difficult period following the recent loss of his mother, giving the captain a break is understandable. With little riding on the match for England, resting him could reduce unnecessary scrutiny while he takes time to regroup. Coles is a reliable option who would also benefit from additional Test experience.

Chessum brings physicality and energy to the pack and is the logical choice to step into the second row. If Itoje doesn't play, he also provides leadership qualities, being captain of Leicester Tigers.

Still early in his international career, Pepper is clearly a talented player with significant potential. Borthwick should continue backing him.

Earl’s commitment and work rate remain evident. Even in a disappointing team performance against Italy he held his own, and he hasn’t done enough to lose his spot. Moving him to openside simply creates room for another player in the back row.

Borthwick has frequently highlighted Cunningham-South’s impact carrying the ball, particularly from No.8. This could be the perfect moment to test that against top-level opposition. His size and power could trouble France’s pack, making it a good opportunity to see what he can produce.

The forward replacements largely select themselves, with Arthur Clark stepping in while Itoje is rested. In the backs, Raffi Quirke could add more off the bench than Ben Spencer, while Marcus Smith has made the 23 jersey his own with several strong contributions from the bench this year.