England make wholesale changes for Argentina as Tom Curry hits 50

England head coach Steve Borthwick has made several changes to his starting XV for the Rugby World Cup Bronze Final against Argentina.

Borthwick has opted for eight changes to his starting XV, with flanker Tom Curry set to earn his 50th Test cap for his country.

Marcus Smith returns at full-back

Freddie Steward is the only back-three player who retains a starting role, having featured at full-back against South Africa in the semi-final. However, he shifts to right wing in place of Jonny May, who drops out of the team.

Meanwhile, Marcus Smith has recovered from the concussion that ruled him out of the clash against South Africa and returns to start at full-back with Henry Arundell, who scored four tries against Chile, replacing Elliot Daly on the left wing.

Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant start in the centres once again, with Owen Farrell captaining the side at fly-half and is joined by veteran number nine Ben Youngs.

Amongst the forwards, Courtney Lawes has now played his final Test for England after announcing his retirement. He is replaced in the number six jumper by Curry, with Sam Underhill coming into the starting line-up at openside. Ben Earl completes the back-row, starting at number eight once again.

Ollie Chessum and Maro Itoje are the starting locks with an all-new front-row in Ellis Genge (loosehead), Theo Dan (hooker) and Will Stuart (tighthead).

The replacements are Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford (vice-captain), and Ollie Lawrence.

“After the disappointment of last weekend’s game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted,” said Borthwick.

“The Bronze Final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris. The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side.

“Our support from the many England fans, both at home and from those who have travelled to France to watch the team play, has been nothing short of fantastic. We are incredibly grateful to have your backing, and on behalf of the entire England team, I would like to thank you all once again”.

England team to face Argentina

England: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Freddie Steward, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 Owen Farrell (c), 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Theo Dan, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Dan Cole, 19 David Ribbans, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Danny Care, 22 George Ford, 23 Ollie Lawrence

Date: Friday, October 27
Kick-off: 21:00 local (20:00 BST, 19:00 GMT)
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

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