Steve Borthwick has made a solitary change to England's starting lineup for their final Six Nations match against France, recalling Ollie Chessum to the back row while maintaining faith in the same underfire backline that suffered a historic defeat to Italy last weekend.
Strategic Shift in the Pack
Chessum, who came off the bench during England's loss to Italy, will wear the No. 6 jersey in Paris, providing an additional lineout option from the blindside flanker position. The 23-year-old lock, who has impressed in the back row previously during the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, replaces the injured Tom Curry in the starting XV.
Guy Pepper switches to openside flanker to accommodate Chessum's inclusion, with Sam Underhill – who was a late call-up against Italy – returning to the bench. This represents Borthwick's only change to the pack, with Jamie George continuing at hooker despite requiring repeated treatment during the Italy match, and Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes retaining their prop positions.
Unchanged Backline Despite Criticism
Despite England's humiliating first-ever defeat to Italy which extended their losing run to three matches, Borthwick has named an unchanged backline. Ben Spencer and Fin Smith continue as the halfback partnership, with Seb Atkinson at inside centre and Tommy Freeman remaining in the No. 13 jersey.
Cadan Murley and Tom Roebuck retain their wing positions, while Elliot Daly continues at fullback. Notably, Borthwick has opted against recalling Marcus Smith or George Furbank to the starting lineup, sticking with the players who struggled against Italy.
"It's a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side," said Borthwick. "England versus France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby and we're looking forward to the occasion."
Bench Composition and Tactical Approach
England will employ a 6-2 split on the bench, with Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd and Trevor Davison providing front-row cover. Chandler Cunningham-South and Henry Pollock join Underhill as back-row replacements, while Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith offer backline options.
This selection suggests Borthwick is doubling down on the kick-heavy tactics England have employed throughout the championship, despite criticism of their attacking limitations. The unchanged backline indicates the head coach believes continuity rather than radical change is the best approach against a formidable French side in Paris.
The match represents England's final opportunity to salvage something from a disappointing Six Nations campaign that has seen them lose to Scotland, Ireland and Italy. Their three-match losing streak is their worst in the championship since 2018, adding significant pressure on Borthwick and his players to deliver an improved performance against the French.
