England head coach Eddie Jones has named Joe Marler in his team for the Six Nations opener against France, despite ruling him out last month with a leg fracture.
The loosehead prop was expected to be on the treatment table for five weeks, but he sped up his recovery and after returning to full-time training last week has been included in the setup for this Saturday's encounter at Twickenham.
A host of injuries to the team has forced Jones into shuffling the pack, with Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes partnering at lock.
Maro Itoje has switched to blindside flanker, while Tom Wood takes a place at openside and Nathan Hughes replaces Billy Vunipola at number eight.
Elliot Daly also gets a starting nod as he takes a place on the wing.
England team to face France:
Mike Brown; Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole; Joe Launchbury; Courtney Lawes; Maro Itoje, Tom Wood, Nathan Hughes.
Replacements: Jamie George, Matt Mullan, Kyle Sinckler, Teimana Harrison, James Haskell, Danny Care, Ben Te'o, Jack Nowell
