Six Nations: Steve Borthwick makes one change for England's match against France at Stade de France

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Steve Borthwick has made one change to the England side for their Six Nations encounter against France on Saturday. The change comes after England suffered their first-ever defeat against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome last weekend. England have endured a difficult Six Nations campaign that has also seen them fall to losses against bitter rivals Ireland and Scotland.

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Steve Borthwick has made one change to the England starting XV for their final game of the 2026 Six Nations against France on Saturday.

Ollie Chessum comes into the team at flanker, with Sam Underhill dropping to the bench.

Underhill was named in the starting side that suffered England’s first-ever defeat against Italy last weekend, while Chessum came off the bench in the 66th minute.

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Borthwick says his side are looking forward to facing one of their greatest rivals.

"It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side," said Borthwick.

"England versus France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby, and we’re looking forward to the occasion."

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Tom Curry was set to start the clash with Italy, but he suffered a calf injury in the warm-up, with Underhill coming into the XV at late notice.

Curry will not be fit enough to return against the French, who are top of the Six Nations table, above Scotland on points difference.

The back three remains the same, with Elliot Daly starting at full-back alongside wingers Tom Roebuck and Cadan Murley.

The midfield is comprised of Tommy Freeman and Seb Atkinson, while Fin Smith will start at 10 alongside scrum-half Ben Spencer.

The forward pack will see props Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes link up with hooker Jamie George once again.

Maro Itoje will captain the side from the engine room, and he is joined by his second row partner Alex Coles.

Guy Pepper and Ben Earl complete the back row.

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England head into the clash in fifth place in the Six Nations table after four fixtures played.

They are five points ahead of Wales, who they thrashed in their opening match.

However, they are three points behind Italy and eight behind Ireland, meaning they can only finish as high as fourth in this year’s Championship.

France and Scotland are level on 16 points, meaning France need a bonus-point victory to guarantee the coveted trophy in Paris.

Super Saturday will also see Wales host Italy and Ireland take on Scotland.

A win against France would go a long way to easing the pressure on Borthwick, who has been criticised for England's performances throughout the 2026 Six Nations.

England Starting XV to face France

15. Daly, 14. Roebuck, 13. Freeman, 12. S Atkinson, 11. Murley; 10. F Smith, 9. Spencer; 1. Genge, 2. George, 3. Heyes, 4. Itoje (capt), 5. Coles, 6. Chessum, 7. Pepper, 8. Earl