Owen Farrell to captain England against Argentina after return from head injury

Owen Farrell has been passed fit to return as England’s captain against Argentina on Sunday after coming through the head injury return-to-play protocols. Farrell assumes the role in the absence of Courtney Lawes, having completed the final stage of his medical recovery on Friday morning.

Elsewhere, there is a debut for Northampton’s Alex Coles at lock, with Maro Itoje shifting to the back row, while Jonny May has not been deemed ready to feature, having suffered a dislocated elbow two weeks ago. Eddie Jones has named a 6-2 split on the bench.

Farrell last captained England a year ago against Australia before Tom Curry and latterly Lawes assumed the role. With Lawes still struggling with a head injury, however, and Farrell successfully recuperating from his concussion, sustained on 22 October, he is installed as Jones’s on-field lieutenant again. He also forms a formidable midfield with Marcus Smith and Manu Tuilagi from the start for the first time.

When naming his squad last month, Jones was full of praise for Farrell, suggesting that he does not earn the credit that he deserves as one of the best players in the world. He did, however, also extol the virtues of having a captain who can communicate calmly with officials, which has never been Farrell’s strong suit.

Elsewhere, there is a first England appearance since the Six Nations for Kyle Sinckler at tighthead prop while Luke Cowan-Dickie has recovered from a knee injury to start at hooker and Ellie Genge continues at loosehead and as one of two vice-captains. As first revealed by the Guardian, Coles has been impressing Jones in training this week and the 23-year-old comes into the second row for a debut. Itoje joins Curry and Billy Vunipola in the back row.

Freddie