Fin Smith to start at fly-half for England against France

Marcus Smith (left) and Fin Smith (right) have been picked to start in England’s backline against France (John Walton/PA)

England have united Fin Smith and Marcus Smith in their starting backline for the first time as they look to reignite their Guinness Six Nations title bid against France on Saturday.

Fin Smith will make his first appearance in the number 10 jersey after winning all seven of his caps as a replacement, with his namesake moving to full-back to accommodate the change at fly-half.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has made a total of five changes, two of them positional, for the round two fixture at Allianz Stadium.

Steve Borthwick has made five changes from the defeat to Ireland (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Ollie Sleightholme returns to the left wing after Cadan Murley was ruled out by a foot injury sustained in the 27-22 defeat by Ireland in Dublin last Saturday which could end his tournament.

Tom Willis makes his first start at number eight as part of a back row reshuffle that sees Ben Earl move to openside and Ben Curry drop to a bench bolstered by the return of veterans Jamie George and Elliot Daly.