The Rugby World Cup action continues this afternoon with England the overwhelming favourites to make it three wins out of three in Lille. Steve Borthwick’s side are sitting pretty at the Pool D summit and firmly on course for the quarter-finals after all the concern following a dismal build-up to the tournament was washed away by a brilliant win over Argentina with only 14 men on opening weekend.
England then came on strong at the finish to dispatch a tough Japan side last time out, though a lack of attacking prowess and reliance on kicking remains a huge worry for many fans. Today represents a great chance for the Red Rose men to flex their try-scoring muscles at last, with World Cup debutants Chile having been spirited so far but on the receiving end of heavy losses at the hands of Japan and Samoa.
Borthwick has rung the changes and given a number of fringe players the chance to stake a regular starting claim here, while captain Owen Farrell returns from suspension and Marcus Smith lines up as a second playmaker at full-back. Follow England vs Chile live below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy!
Live updates
England team news
12 changes in total from Steve Borthwick today, with only tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler, versatile back Elliot Daly and back-rower Lewis Ludlam retaining their starting berths after the somewhat laboured 34-12 win over Japan in Nice last weekend.
As mentioned, it’s captain Owen Farrell back at No10 after suspension and Marcus Smith operating as a secondary playmaker from 15. It will be fascinating to see how that particular experiment works out this afternoon.
Henry Arundell gets a chance to shine on the wing opposite Max Malins, with Daly partnering Ollie Lawrence in the centres and Danny Care preferred to fellow veteran Ben Youngs to deputise for Alex Mitchell at scrum-half.
Young Saracen Theo Dan is at hooker either side of Sinckler and Bevan Rodd, with David Ribbans and George Martin the lock pairing.
Billy Vunipola makes a first start after his own suspension at No 8 having come off the bench against Japan, with Ludlam and Jack Willis on the flanks.
There’s a strong bench featuring Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Youngs, George Ford, Joe Marchant, WIll Stuart and Jack Walker.
Where to watch England vs Chile
TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be broadcast live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 3.55pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the action live online via the ITVX website and app.
Welcome to England vs Chile LIVE coverage
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of England vs Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
After contrasting opening wins over Argentina and Japan, Steve Borthwick’s side comfortably top Pool D and are easing into the quarter-finals as things stand.
They will be expected to make it three victories from three at the tournament with an emphatic bonus-point success in Lille today, with fans very eager to finally see some free-flowing attacking rugby and a whole lot less kicking against debutant minnows, who haven’t lacked for heart so far at their first World Cup but conceded 11 tries in heavy defeats by Japan and Samoa.
Borthwick has rung the changes for this most-lopsided group fixture on paper, with a number of players hoping to leave a lasting impression with a two-week break to come before the final group meeting with Samoa on October 7.
Owen Farrell returns from suspension to captain the side as England gear up for the knockout stages, while the most interesting selection is at full-back, where fly-half Marcus Smith starts as an auxiliary playmaker.
Kick-off is at 4:45pm BST, so stay tuned for match build-up and live updates, with expert analysis from the Evening Standard’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
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