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Watson back for England in Autumn Nations Cup decider

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Anthony Watson will make his first start of the Autumn Nations Cup on Sunday in England’s only change for their Final with France.

Anthony Watson will make his first start of the Autumn Nations Cup on Sunday in England’s only change for their Final with France.

An ankle injury kept Watson out of England’s first two matches against Georgia and Ireland but he returned on the bench against Wales last weekend.

Having done enough to prove his fitness, Watson will start on the right wing and replaces Jonathan Joseph, who drops out of the 23.

Owen Farrell once again captains England from inside centre, with head coach Eddie Jones sticking with George Ford at fly-half.

Farrell is partnered by Henry Slade, while Jonny May and Elliot Daly complete the back three alongside Watson.

Ben Youngs wins his 104th cap at scrum-half, while the front row also has a familiar look to it with Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler getting the nod.

Maro Itoje and Joe Launchbury reprise their exciting lock partnership, while Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Billy Vunipola make up the back row.

England XV Starters 15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 46 caps) 14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 45 caps) 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 33 caps) 12. Owen Farrell (C) (Saracens, 87 caps) 11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 60 caps) 10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 71 caps) 9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 103 caps) 1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 63 caps) 2. Jamie George (Saracens, 53 caps) 3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 39 caps) 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 42 caps) 5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 68 caps) 6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 27 caps) 7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 21 caps) 8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 55 caps)

Finishers 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 25 caps) 17. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps) 18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 7 caps) 19. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps) 20. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 7 caps) 21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 6 caps) 22. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 2 caps) 23. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 4 caps)