Ben Youngs backs Ellis Genge to lead England in absence of key duo

Ellis Genge is a contender to captain England this autumn if Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell are absent through concussion (Mike Egerton/PA)

Ellis Genge’s leadership credentials have received an emphatic endorsement from England’s most capped player as contingency plans are drawn up in the event Eddie Jones is robbed of his two established captains.

Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell are recovering from the concussions sustained on club duty that have made them a doubt for the series opener against Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday week.