Owen Farrell and George Ford to start together for England against Samoa

Pair to reprise their 10-12 axis for first time since March 2021 as Tuilagi primed to make first appearance against country of birth

MAIN MAN: England's Owen Farrell

Owen Farrell and George Ford are expected to start together for England for the first time since March 2021 as Steve Borthwick prepares to reprise their 10-12 axis against Samoa on Saturday.

Ford was dropped to the bench for England’s previous World Cup group game, the 71-0 victory over Chile, having been named man of the match in the wins over Argentina and Japan, and the Guardian understands he is poised to return at fly-half for England’s final group game, with Farrell moving to inside centre.