Fin Smith gets first Test start as England change three for France clash

England made a losing start to their 2025 Six Nations campaign last week, going down by a 27-22 scoreline to Ireland in a thriller at the Aviva Stadium.

Coach Steve Borthwick has made three changes to the lineup that started that game, with 22-year-old Fin Smith introduced after making seven Test appearances from the bench.

His Northampton team-mate Ollie Sleightholme has also been brought in on the wing, while Tom Willis is introduced at number eight.

Ben Curry drops out of the starting XV and is among the replacements, with his brother Tom Curry keeping his place. Cadan Murley also misses out due to a foot injury, while Freddie Steward is dropped entirely.

Former captain Jamie George is among the replacements after recovering from a hamstring injury that threatened to rule him out of the tournament.

Tom Willis and Fin Smith have both been named in the starting line-up for the first time this weekend Click below for more team news

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 6, 2025

England have lost their last three Six Nations meetings with France, including a chastening 53-10 defeat last year. However, Les Bleus have only ever won four in a row against England in the championship on one occasion, doing so between 1975 and 1978.

England have also lost three of their last six home games in the Six Nations (three wins), as many as they had lost in their previous 29 such fixtures (25 wins, one draw).

Borthwick said: "England versus France is an incredible fixture to be involved in.

"We're looking forward to being back at Allianz Stadium in front of our home supporters, for what I am sure will be a great game of rugby."

England starting XV: Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje (c), George Martin, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Tom Willis.