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Marcus Smith training with England - PA

Marcus Smith training with England – PA

After England A’s game against Scotland A last weekend was cancelled following a Covid outbeak in the Scottish camp, this will be the first opportunity Eddie Jones has of casting his eye over future England stars against Test opposition.

There will be plenty of fresh faces on display, with the inclusion of Marcus Smith at fly-half – fresh from inspiring Harlequins to their incredible Premiership final triumph over Exeter – causing plenty of excitement amongst England fans.

After Sunday’s game, England play Canada the following Saturday. Both games had originally been scheduled as away games but were switched to Twickenham due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

When is it?

Sunday, July 4.

What time is kick-off?

2pm BST.

What TV channel is it on?

Channel 4 from 1.30pm BST.

What is the latest squad/team news?

Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith will pilot an England team boasting eight new caps at Twickenham.

The Gallagher Premiership winner will pair up with fellow uncapped playmaker Harry Randall, with the Bristol player starting at scrum-half.

England, missing a host of British and Irish Lions stars, could hand out 12 debuts this weekend, with four more uncapped players on the bench.

Leicester full-back Freddie Steward will make his Test bow, with five uncapped forwards also in from the off.

England head coach Eddie Jones challenged the new faces to make their mark when stepping up to a new level.

“Over the past three weeks our biggest message to the players is what an opportunity this is to show what they can do and make their mark with England,” said Jones.

“They’ve applied themselves as a group and worked very hard individually during this camp to reach their personal bests.

“Now it’s all about coming together as a team, gelling and putting in a good performance at the weekend.”

Uncapped Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow will captain Jones’ men, with Newcastle’s Callum Chick also making his Test bow in the back-row.

Sale hooker Curtis Langdon, Leicester’s Joe Heyes and Bath’s Josh McNally are the other uncapped starters.

What have we said about the England v USA match?

What are the best odds?

  • England to win: 1/40

  • USA to win: 66/1

  • Draw: 100/1

What’s our prediction?

Despite the fact Eddie Jones could hand out 12 debuts this weekend, England should have too much class for this USA side.
Predicted score: England 42 USA 11

Source