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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Players of England line up during the National Anthems prior to kick off of the Autumn International match between England and Argentina  at Twickenham Stadium on November 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

England Men

10 Nov 2022 | 3 min |

England squad named for Japan

Eddie Jones has named a 23-player squad for England’s match against Japan at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

David Ribbans will make his England debut after being named at lock. He will play alongside Jonny Hill, while props Ellis Genge (vice-captain) and Kyle Sinckler join hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie in completing the tight five.

Sam Simmonds comes in at No 8 with Maro Itoje and Tom Curry staying on the flanks. There is a return for Jonny May, for the first time since November 2021, on the left wing. Jack Nowell (vice-captain) is at right wing and Freddie Steward is named full back.

Owen Farrell (inside centre) will again captain the side, and is partnered in the middle with Guy Porter. Jack van Poortvliet will start at scrum half and Marcus Smith stays at fly half.

Jamie George returns from injury and is named as a finisher, alongside Alex Coles, Mako Vunipola, Joe Heyes, Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs, Henry Slade and Manu Tuilagi.

"We’ve worked hard this week to improve on last week’s performance. We’ve taken a good look at our preparation and we are happy with our position going into the game," said Jones. 

"We’ve made a few changes to the side as we play these four games in November. In particular with Manu we are balancing his workload.

"Japan are a very good and intriguing side. They play a unique type of rugby based on continuity and team cohesion and we’ll have to be at our best against them at Twickenham on Saturday."

Squad

Starters

15. Freddie Steward

14. Jack Nowell (VC)

13. Guy Porter

12. Owen Farrell (C)

11. Jonny May

10. Marcus Smith

9. Jack van Poortvliet

1. Ellis Genge (VC)

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie

3. Kyle Sinckler

4. David Ribbans

5. Jonny Hill 

6. Maro Itoje

7. Tom Curry

8. Sam Simmonds 

Finishers

16. Jamie George 

17. Mako Vunipola

18. Joe Heyes

19. Alex Coles 

20. Billy Vunipola

21. Ben Youngs

22. Henry Slade

23. Manu Tuilagi