Lancaster names England team to face Samoa

Geroge Ford will make his first Test start at fly-half. Credit: PA

Head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his starting England line-up to face Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday evening.

Bath Rugby's George Ford will make his first Test start at fly half, with Owen Farrell shifting to inside centre.

Elsewhere, Tom Wood and Billy Vunipola are replaced in the back row by James Haskell and Ben Morgan.

Lancaster said: “Those selected have a great opportunity to show what they can do against what will be a highly motivated Samoa team.

“It's great to give George [Ford] a start in this series, having missed the summer tour through injury. He has been impressive in camp and now fully up to speed with the game plan and he is ready to run the game."

England team to play Samoa:

Mike Brown (Harlequins) Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)Brad Barritt (Saracens) Owen Farrell (Saracens) Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby) George Ford (Bath Rugby) Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Joe Marler (Harlequins) Rob Webber (Bath Rugby) David Wilson (Bath Rugby) Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby) Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) James Haskell (Wasps) Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, captain) Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby)

Replacements:

Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) Matt Mullan (Wasps) Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons) George Kruis (Saracens) Tom Wood (Northampton Saints) Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens) Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby) Marland Yarde (Harlequins).