Twelvetrees set for England debut

Uncapped Gloucester centre Billy Twelvetrees is part of England’s matchday squad for their Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham.  

The 24-year-old is among 23 players retained by head coach Stuart Lancaster to prepare for Saturday’s game.

Notable returnees include hooker Dylan Hartley, who has recovered from the knee injury which kept him out of the end-of-year nternationals, wing David Strettle and flyhalf Toby Flood, who missed out on the New Zealand game with an injured ligament in his toe.

While not in contention for the Calcutta Cup clash, centre Manu Tuilagi will remain with the squad for treatment on his injured ankle, meaning Lancaster has released nine players back to their clubs, including fullback Ben Foden and centre Jonathan Joseph.

Lancaster said: “We’ve had to make some tough calls with a lot of competition for places.

“The players’ attitude and application in training has been first rate and we know those going back to their clubs and playing in the Anglo-Welsh Cup will be pushing hard for contention for the Ireland match.”

Lancaster will name his starting line-up on Thursday.

England:

Backs (10): Chris Ashton (Saracens), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Leicester), Alex Goode (Saracens), David Strettle (Saracens), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester), Ben Youngs (Leicester).

Forwards (13): Dan Cole (Leicester) Dylan Hartley (Northampton), James Haskell (Wasps), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Geoff Parling (Leicester), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), David Wilson (Bath), Tom Wood, Tom Youngs (Leicester).