England to name Alex Mitchell as shock scrum-half for opener with Argentina

The 25-year-old Northampton No 9 was not in original 33-man squad.

SURPRISE INCLUSION? England's Alex Mitchell during the warm-up. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Alex Mitchell is expected to make a shock start at scrum-half in England’s World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday as Steve Borthwick seeks to up the tempo against the Pumas.

The 25-year-old Northampton No 9 was not in the initial 33-man squad for the World Cup but was called up after Jack van Poortvliet was ruled out with an ankle injury last month.