Tuilagi and Yarde return from injury to boost England squad

Manu Tuilagi and Marlon Yarde have been recalled to the England training squad for the crucial Six Nations encounter with Wales at Twickenham.

With Stuart Lancaster’s side gunning for the Triple Crown, on at 4/9 with Ladbrokes, the return of the powerful backs from injury is a huge boost to an England side looking to claim a first Six Nations Championship since 2011.

Leicester centre Tuilagi played 70 minutes in his club’s 41-18 win over Newcastle after five months out with a chest injury and the Samoan-born star insists he is ready to answer England’s call should he be required.

“If Stuart asks me if I’m ready to play I’ll say ‘absolutely’,” said Tuilagi, who has played 21 times for England. “I’ll be going down to training with England and we’ll take it from there.

“The boys are doing really well and it’ll be good for me to go down there and get settled back in.”

Winger Yarde completed his first full game for London Irish at the weekend after returning from a hip injury he sustained in November and will now train with the squad before the crucial match at Twickenham.

Lancaster will name his match-day 23 on Friday and while it would be a huge surprise if either player breaks into the coach’s starting XV this quickly after their return from the sidelines, but both players have the ability to change a game from the bench should they be required.

England, who are 4/9 to beat Wales, are currently involved in a four-way tie at the top of the Six Nations table and victory against Warren Gatland’s men at Twickenham on Sunday will give them an excellent chance of lifting the trophy with Italy to come in the final round of matches.

Chris Robshaw’s side are currently the 11/8 favourites to win the championship and the return of Tuilagi and Yarde could be just the boost they need to get over the line.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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