Johnny Sexton to start Ireland’s Six Nations showdown with England

Captain Johnny Sexton has been restored to Ireland’s starting XV as part of six changes for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with England.

Prop Cian Healy will make his first start of this year’s tournament, in place of the injured Andrew Porter, while Hugo Keenan, Andrew Conway, Bundee Aki and James Ryan also return.

Andy Farrell’s men must beat their title rivals at Twickenham to remain in contention for Six Nations glory.

Leinster fly-half Sexton came off the bench during the 57-6 round-three win over Italy after missing the defeat to Grand Slam-chasing France with a minor hamstring issue.

The 36-year-old, who this week signed a contract extension and announced he will retire following next year’s World Cup, regains the number 10 jersey from Joey Carbery to win his 104th cap.

Centre Robbie Henshaw joins Carbery in dropping to the bench, while Michael Lowry, Mack Hansen and Ryan Baird have been omitted from Farrell’s matchday squad

Lock Iain Henderson is back among the replacements after a positive coronavirus test ruled him out against the Italians.

Ireland have lost five of seven away matches under head coach Farrell, including a pair of emphatic Twickenham defeats in 2020.

However, they triumphed in their last meeting with Eddie Jones’ men, finishing last season’s tournament with an impressive 32-18 success in Dublin to condemn their opponents to their worst campaign in Six Nations history.

Returning loosehead Healy will pack down alongside Leinster team-mates Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong on the occasion of his 115th cap, with vice-captain Ryan overcoming an adductor issue to join Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Caelan Doris has retained the number eight jersey ahead of Jack Conan. He will once again be