Courtney Lawes named as England captain ahead of Owen Farrell

Courtney Lawes has been named as England captain (Glyn Kirk/PA)

Courtney Lawes will lead England into Saturday’s first Test against Australia after retaining the captaincy despite Owen Farrell’s return at inside centre.

For the first time since 2018, Farrell has been overlooked as skipper with Eddie Jones opting for Lawes after the Northampton flanker impressed in the role while deputising in the autumn and Six Nations.