Mitchell and May selected in England’s squad for World Cup opener

Alex Mitchell and Jonny May will make an appearance for England’s opening game at the World Cup against Argentina, even tough they were both excluded from the 33-man squad.

England’s 23 to set sail in Marseille. Starts for Alex Mitchell & Jonny May, both left out of the original 33. Hard to describe the build-up as ideal, but the determination they’ll all be feeling to show us what they’re really about. Saturday evening @ITVRugby pic.twitter.com/kioliyce4C

— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) September 7, 2023

They came in as late replacements in the place Jack van Poortvliet and Anthony Watson, who were hit with an injury.

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George Ford will start at start-fly in the place of captain Owen Farrell, who received ban for the opening two games.

Tom Curry starts his first game since the Premiership final in May 2019.

Ben Earl replaces Saracens team-mate Billy Vunipola, who is suspended for the opening game following his red card against Ireland in England’s penultimate warm-up game, at number eight.

England go into the World Cup, having lost three out of their four warm-up games and will be looking to make amend for their poor display.

They will also face Japan, Chile and Samoa in Pool D with the top two team progressing to the 1/4 finals.