George Ford has been dropped from England’s squad to face France on Saturday, ensuring Marcus Smith will feature against Les Bleus.
Steve Borthwick named both, as well as captain Owen Farrell, in his wider squad on Sunday but has released the Sale fly-half as part of a wider cut.
Courtney Lawes has also been released after sustaining a shoulder injury. The England vice-captain has endured a rotten time with injuries, having had neck, glute and calf problems before making his first international appearance of the season against Wales.
His comeback has proved short-lived, however. Borthwick’s decision to stick by Smith comes after his man of the match performance for Harlequins against Exeter at Twickenham last Saturday.
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