Ashton and Lawes to start against France

Chris Ashton is preferred to Jack Nowell and Courtney Lawes replaces Maro Itoje in the England side to face France in the Six Nations on Sunday

Wing Ashton will make his first start in the competition for six years at Twickenham as Nowell drops to the bench following the 32-20 victory over reigning champions Ireland in Dublin.

Itoje suffered a knee injury in the impressive win at the Aviva Stadium, so Lawes comes into the second row.

Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury and Ben Moon were not involved last weekend, but the trio have been named among the replacements by Eddie Jones.

There is no place in the 23 for Ellis Genge and Harry Williams, however, as England eye revenge following their defeat in Paris last year.

Your England team to face France on Sunday in the #GuinnessSixNations

K.O 15:00 GMT, LIVE on @ITV.

Preview https://t.co/5Ovvau7823#ENGvFRA #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/nQD44UMqha

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 8, 2019

England: Elliot Daly, Chris Ashton, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May, Owen Farrell (captain), Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, George Kruis, Mark Wilson, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ben Moon, Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Nathan Hughes, Dan Robson, George Ford, Jack Nowell.

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