MX23RW : Wednesday, November 27 17:57:53| >> :600:420803:420803:
Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 2, 2020 at 3pm UK
 
France
24-17
England
Rattez (6'), Ollivon (20', 55')
FT
May (57', 65')

A look at England's full-back options for Six Nations opener against France

A look at England's full-back options for Six Nations opener against France
© Reuters
Eddie Jones is pondering his options over the number 15 jersey.

Eddie Jones names his team to face France in Sunday's Guinness Six Nations opener in Paris with a question mark hovering over the identity of the full-back.

Here, the PA news agency examines the options available to the England head coach.

Elliot Daly

Saracens v Worcester Warriors – Gallagher Premiership – Allianz Park
Elliot Daly could be moved to the left wing (Tess Derry/PA)

Age: 27
Club: Saracens
England caps: 39
Lions caps: 3

England's incumbent since June 2018 has been backed unequivocally by Jones but persistent concerns over his suitability for the role could see him move to the left wing. Made basic errors in the World Cup final and Jones may decide the experiment has failed. A natural outside centre but will not see game time there for England due to more established alternatives.

Anthony Watson

Bath v RC Toulon – European Rugby Champions Cup – Pool Five – Recreation Ground
Anthony Watson has only played four times at full-back for England (Paul Harding/PA)

Age: 25
Club: Bath
England caps: 42
Lions caps: 3

If Jones does reposition Daly, then Watson is his most likely successor in the number 15 jersey. Appeared to be Jones' preferred choice until Achilles surgery stalled his international career and gave Daly his chance. More at home at full-back than Daly and impressed at the World Cup, but has only played there four times for England.

George Furbank

Age: 23
Club: Northampton
England caps: 0
Lions caps: 0

It would take a leap of faith for Jones to plunge the third option in his Six Nations squad into the cauldron of a Championship opener in Paris. Furbank is the Premiership's form full-back with his speed, balance and attacking intelligence key to Saints' blistering start the season, but the Stade of France is unlikely stage for his Test baptism.

ID:387796: cacheID:387796:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:12540:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England head coach Eddie Jones walks with his runner up medal after the match on November 2, 2019
Read Next:
Jones vows to show "brutal physicality and intensity" against youthful France side
>
Read more about Eddie Jones Rugby Union
rhs 2.0
Today's games header


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!