England make one change for Autumn Nations Cup final with Anthony Watson replacing Jonathan Joseph

England make one change for Autumn Nations Cup final against a second-string France with Anthony Watson replacing the injured Jonathan Joseph on the wing for Twickenham spectacle

  • England face France in the Autumn Nations Cup final on Saturday at Twickenham
  • Anthony Watson is on the wing for England as Jonathan Joseph has a calf injury
  • Joe Marchant is among the replacements with Jack Willis dropped completely 

England winger Anthony Watson will make his first start of the Autumn Nations Cup in Sunday’s final against France.

The Lions star is the only change to Eddie Jones’ starting XV, stepping in to replace the injured Jonathan Joseph.

Watson injured his ankle in last month’s Six Nations finale against Italy, before making his comeback from the bench against Wales.

Anthony Watson will be starting on the wing for England in the Autumn Nations Cup final

‘We’re really looking forward to this final, playing France and having another chance to win a trophy this autumn,’ said Jones.

‘We’d like to congratulate the tournament organisers on putting this on in difficult circumstances.

‘Over the past two months the players have put in real effort, worked very hard on and off the pitch and have met the protocols and new ways of working.

‘This has been another positive learning week with tough, hard training and we’re looking forward to getting on the pitch in front of our fans and playing a good game of rugby.’

In his final Test of 2020, Jones has reverted to a bench split of five forwards and three backs.

Centre Joe Marchant has been drafted into the replacements, with flanker Jack Willis left out of the squad.

Watson will complete the back-three alongside Elliot Daly and Jonny May, while Owen Farrell and Henry Slade continue in midfield.

No 10 George Ford will once against try to spark England’s attack into life, with the help of familiar scrum-half Ben Youngs.

The pack remains unchanged.

Billy Vunipola will make his 50th England start at No 8, in between flankers Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

Maro Itoje and Joe Launchbury maintain their second-row partnership, with Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler named in the front-row.

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