Six Nations: England squad unchanged for crucial Scotland clash
Published:England head coach Stuart Lancaster has stuck by the players who suffered an agonising last-gasp defeat at the hands of France for this weekend’s crucial Six Nations clash with Scotland.
The Red Rose produced a promising display at the Stade de France coming back from 13 points down to lead 24-19 late into the second half in Paris.
But Lancaster’s men, who are 1/5 for their first win of the campaign in Edinburgh, were left stunned after Gael Fickou’s late try gifted Les Bleus victory and left England contemplating a 26-24 defeat from the jaws of an excellent win.
“We were disappointed by the result against France, but very proud of many aspects of the performance,” Lancaster said.
“We want to give the same 23 the opportunity to build on that against Scotland.”
Gloucester winger Johnny May suffered a broken nose early on in the contest but is deemed fit to face the Scots, who are 7/2 to bounce back from their defeat to Ireland with a win.
Northampton lock Courtney Lawes, who was in impressive form against the French, has recovered from cheek bruising to take his place in the squad for the Murrayfield contest.
With Danny Care and Lee Dickson both retained in the scrum-half positions Ben Youngs has been released back to Leicester for their trip to Worcester in the Aviva Premiership on Friday night.
Chris Ashton has also missed out on selection once again with May and Jack Nowell given another opportunity in the wings, while Freddie Burns, Kyle Eastmond, George Ford, Matt Kvesic , Tom Johnson, Matt Mullan, Ed Slater, Anthony Watson have also been released back to their clubs.
England squad to face Scotland:
Forwards: David Attwood (Bath Rugby), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), 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), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May, (Gloucester Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby).
