Owen Farrell set for England recall in Ireland finale despite injury fears

Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade in line to be reunited in midfield

BACK IN? England's Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell. Pic: Ben Whitley/PA Wire.

England are intending to play Owen Farrell from the start in Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Ireland in Dublin despite suggestions the fly-half may have sustained an ankle injury in training this week. Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade are also set to be reunited in midfield, while Henry Arundell is pushing hard to make a first start on the wing.

Northampton’s David Ribbans is expected to feature in the second row in place of the injured Ollie Chessum as England look to atone for their record 53-10 defeat to France. Should any 11th-hour doubts resurface over Farrell, it is understood Marcus Smith would be the favourite to retain his place, with the latter’s Harlequins teammate Joe Marchant in line for a bench recall.