Ashton and Youngs dropped from England Squad

England stars Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs have both been dropped from their countries 2014 Six Nations squad for the opening match with France on Saturday.

Rookies Luther Burrell, George Ford, Jack Nowell and Anthony Watson were all included in the squad and will be looking to be blooded during the tournament.

 “Ben misses out this time but he is a quality player and I am sure he will respond in the same way Danny did at the start of the year. We have been pleased with the form of Chris recently. However, Jack has made great progress on the right wing and has also delivered in big games for Exeter Chiefs and we feel it is the right time to look at another option in that position. Said Coach Stuart Lancaster.

“Chris remains an important member of the squad and I am sure he will be working hard to regain that position during the course of the Six Nations. Competition for places is intense and we have tough selection choices to make across the team. The young players have really impressed and based on their club form and what they have done in training with us they deserve their opportunity.” He continued

The match day squad will be announced on Thursday.

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England squad:

Forwards: David Attwood (Bath), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Matt Mullan (London Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Henry Thomas (Sale Sharks),Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

Backs: Brad Barritt (Saracens), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Danny Care (Harlequins), Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester), Anthony Watson (Bath).

Tuilagi back as England change three

England have made three changes to their team to face France at Twickenham this weekend including starting centre Manu Tuilagi.

Tuilagi replaced the impressive Billy Twelvetrees, hooker Dylan Hartley comes in for Tom Youngs who gets a break on the bench and Courtney Lawes earns a starting spot at flank in place of the hit and miss James Haskell.

“We thought long and hard about changing a winning team which did so well against Ireland. But we believe that Dylan, Courtney and Manu are ready for the opportunity and allow us to vary our play, while the bench will add impact and energy as the game unfolds in the second half.  The players are really looking forward to getting back to Twickenham; the atmosphere in the stadium is fantastic and hopefully the crowd can get behind us in what is sure to be a great challenge against a motivated and physical French team.” Said England coach Stuart Lancaster.

England host France at Twickenham on Saturday, KO 19:00 GMT (21:00 CAT)

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England

15. Alex Goode , 14. Chris Ashton , 13. Manusamoa Tuilagi , 12. Brad Barritt , 11. Mike Brown , 10. Owen Farrell , 9. Ben Youngs , 1. Joe Marler , 2. Dylan Hartley , 3. Dan Cole , 4. Joe Launchbury , 5. Geoff Parling , 6. Courtney Lawes , 7. Chris Robshaw , 8. Tom Wood ,

Replacements : 16. Tom Youngs , 17. David Wilson , 18. Mako Vunipola , 19. James Haskell , 20. Thomas Waldrom , 21. Danny Care , 22. Toby Flood , 23. Billy Twelvetrees

England stick to their guns for France

England coach Stuart Lancaster has chosen to stick with the 23 man squad that won 16-6 in Dublin two weeks ago as they welcome a woeful French side to Twickenham.

“We’ve had 30-plus guys pushing hard for selection this week which is what we want, We had to make some close calls but the team did very well in Ireland so we’ve gone with the same squad againstFrance. We are looking forward to getting back to Twickenham against what I am sure will be a highly motivated French” Said Lancaster

England Squad: Alex Goode, Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt, Billy Twelvetrees, Mike Brown, Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw (captain), James Haskell, Geoff Parling, Joe Launchbury, Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley, David Wilson, Mako Vunipola, Courtney Lawes  Thomas Waldrom, Danny Care, Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi.