Steve Borthwick has stuck with Fin Smith at fly-half and Marcus Smith at full-back for England’s Six Nations clash against Scotland.
England return to Twickenham on Saturday tasked with avoiding a record fifth consecutive Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland.
Northampton fly-half Fin Smith has once again been entrusted with the 10 shirt after inspiring England to a last-gasp 26-25 victory over France on his first Test start on February 8.
The 22-year-old provided two try assists and the game-clinching conversion in a player-of-the-match performance as England ended a seven-match losing streak against Tier 1 opposition.
Borthwick has seen no reason to tinker with a winning formula, with Marcus Smith switching to full-back once again to facilitate Fin Smith at fly-half.
Leicester Tigers second row Ollie Chessum replaces George Martin in England’s only change following the victory over France.
“We are looking forward to what will be another challenging and exciting match against Scotland,” Borthwick said.
“The Calcutta Cup is a special fixture, and we are determined to perform to our very best in front of our supporters at Allianz Stadium.”
England team to face Scotland
Starting XV: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 George Martin, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry, 22 Harry Randall, 23 Elliot Daly.
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Sky Sports News’ James Cole gives the latest on England’s preparations as they look to end Scotland’s four-match winning run in the Calcutta Cup this weekend.
Can England get both Smiths firing?
Sky Sports’ James Cole:
“England want both of their young talents on the pitch. There’s a lot of positives having two playmakers. It’s really crucial this partnership gets going.
“Full-back is not Marcus Smith’s preferred choice of position. He’s 5ft 10in and Scotland might target him under the high ball. Generally, Scotland kick long, which is why England have stuck with this selection, because they want Marcus Smith in broken play running the ball back.
“Fin Smith’s game management is incredible; he looks like he’s got the game at fly-half for Test rugby. The way he controlled things against France, remained calm with that last-minute kick to win the game, he does look the real deal.
“The conundrum England need to figure out is how they get both Smiths firing on the pitch.”
Six Nations – As it stands
Six Nations fixtures: Round 3
Saturday February 22
Wales vs Ireland (2.15pm)
England vs Scotland (4.45pm)
Sunday February 23
Italy vs France (3pm)
