England drop Ford, start Smith at fullback against Fiji

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France : England coach Steve Borthwick has dropped George Ford and has opted to start Owen Farrell at flyhalf and Marcus Smith at fullback for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against Fiji.

Manu Tuilagi teams up with Joe Marchant in the centres, while Elliot Daly is back on the left wing, with Jonny May on the right.

Borthwick named his team on Friday and also included veteran prop Dan Cole in the starting team again ahead of Kyle Sinckler. Ellis Genge and Jamie George complete the front row.

"Everyone knows just what an unpredictably dangerous opposition Fiji can be," Borthwick said. "However, we have shown in the group stages how we can win games and we will be calling on that experience and determination to ensure we carry on our journey."

Ford was man of the match in the first two games when Farrell was suspended but the two playing together did not work well against Samoa, when Ford was taken off early in the second half. Borthwick made it clear all week that he absolutely backed his captain, so Ford was the one to pay the price, dropping to the bench.

The more radical selection was that of Smith, a flyhalf for Harlequins, to start at fullback. He has looked England's most dangerous player during the tournament.

Freddie Steward was rested for the Chile game after 28 successive tests at fullback. He returned against Samoa and though his defence and aerial skills are unquestioned, he lacks Smith's attacking instincts and was left out of the 23-man matchday squad for Sunday. The absence of Ford also means that Smith can fill the second playmaker role.

It also opened the door to select two specialist centres, both of whom will have a busy afternoon trying to stop Fiji's direct runners.

Tuilagi's defence has