England Make One Change for France Clash with Ollie Chessum Set to Start
England head coach Steve Borthwick has made just one change to his starting lineup for England’s final match of the Six Nations Championship against France national rugby union team, with Ollie Chessum coming into the side as England attempt to end the tournament with a strong performance.
The Leicester Tigers forward is set to start at blindside flanker, providing added physicality and lineout presence to England’s forward pack. The decision represents a minor adjustment rather than a major overhaul, with Borthwick largely maintaining the core group of players that have featured throughout the tournament.
England head into the game looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Italy national rugby union team in their previous Six Nations fixture. That loss was a historic moment for Italy and a difficult setback for Eng, increasing pressure on the coaching staff and players heading into the final round of the competition.
Tactical Shift in the Forward Pack
Chessum’s inclusion at blindside flanker brings additional size and versatility to Eng’s pack. Although he is primarily known for playing in the second row, his ability to operate in the back row gives England greater flexibility in the lineout and breakdown.
The 23-year-old has impressed with his physicality, work rate, and aerial ability, making him a valuable asset in set-piece situations. By moving him into the back row, Eng can maintain strong lineout options while still fielding a powerful forward unit capable of competing with France’s dominant pack.
Chessum will join a back row that includes Sam Underhill and Ben Earl, forming a trio designed to provide defensive intensity and ball-carrying power. Underhill is particularly known for his tackling ability and defensive leadership, while Earl brings pace and dynamism around the breakdown.
Stability in England’s Selection
Despite a challenging tournament, Borthwick has chosen not to make widespread changes to the team. Instead, the Eng head coach has emphasised continuity and stability in selection, believing the squad can deliver a better performance by sticking together.
Key players such as captain Maro Itoje, hooker Jamie George, and prop Ellis Genge retain their places in the forward pack. Their experience and leadership will be crucial as Eng prepare to face one of the most dangerous teams in international rugby.
In the backline, Eng continue to rely on playmakers such as Marcus Smith and captain Owen Farrell to guide the attack and control the tempo of the game. Their ability to manage territory and create scoring opportunities will be vital if Eng are to challenge France on their home soil.
Important Milestones for England Players
The match against France is also set to mark significant milestones for a couple of England players. Both Sam Underhill and Marcus Smith are expected to reach their 50th international caps, an achievement that highlights their growing importance within the Eng squad.
Reaching the 50-cap milestone is often considered a major career landmark in international rugby, reflecting a player’s consistency and long-term contribution to their national team.
For Underhill, the milestone reflects years of strong defensive performances and leadership in Eng’s forward pack. For Smith, it underlines his rapid rise as one of England’s most influential playmakers since making his international debut.
A Tough Challenge Against France
England face a formidable opponent in France, who remain one of the strongest teams in the competition. The French side boasts a powerful forward pack combined with a highly creative and dangerous backline capable of scoring from almost anywhere on the field.
France will also have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, which is expected to create a high-pressure environment for the visiting England team.
Borthwick has acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge but believes his side is capable of producing a competitive performance. The Eng coach has stressed the importance of discipline, defensive organisation, and effective game management against a team as talented as France.
England Looking to Finish the Tournament Positively
Although England are no longer in contention for the Six Nations title, the final match still carries significant importance. A strong performance would help restore confidence after a difficult campaign and provide momentum heading into future international fixtures.
The team will be eager to demonstrate resilience and improvement after some inconsistent performances throughout the tournament. For Borthwick, the game is also an opportunity to reinforce his vision for the Eng team and show signs of progress.
A victory against France would represent a major boost for Eng and help shift the narrative around their Six Nations campaign. Even a competitive performance could provide encouragement as the team continues to rebuild and develop ahead of future international challenges.
Looking Ahead for England Rugby
The match against France will serve as an important reference point for Eng as they continue to develop their squad and playing style under Borthwick’s leadership.
With a mix of experienced leaders and emerging young players, Eng are in the process of shaping a team capable of competing with the best sides in world rugby. Players like Chessum represent the next generation of talent that could play a key role in the team’s long-term future.
As the final whistle approaches on England’s Six Nations campaign, the focus will be on finishing strongly, learning from the tournament’s setbacks, and building a stronger foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.
Written by 8jjsports.com | March 10, 2026
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