Lewis Ludlam is named in England’s squad for the Rugby World Cup bronze play-off match on Friday, as the Red Rose face Argentina for third place at the Stade de France.
The Northampton Saints captain comes into the matchday squad after England narrowly fell to South Africa in the semi-finals last weekend, losing out to the reigning champions by a single point in the 15-16 clash after fellow Gallagher Premiership star Handre Pollard kicked a last-minute penalty to put the Springboks through.
England take on Argentina, who were defeated 44-6 by New Zealand in the other semi-final, and 27-year-old Ludlam is primed to earn his 25th England cap from amongst Steve Borthwick’s replacements at the Stade de France on Friday (27 October, kick-off: 8pm BST).
“After the disappointment of last weekend’s game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted,” said head coach Borthwick.
“The Bronze Final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris. The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side.
“Our support from the many England fans, both at home and from those who have travelled to France to watch the team play, has been nothing short of fantastic. We are incredibly grateful to have your backing and on behalf of the entire England Team I would like to thank you all once again”.
ENGLAND v ARGENTINA
Friday 27 October 2023
Stade de France
Kick-off: 8pm (BST)
15 Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 29 caps)
14 Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
13 Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 25 caps)
12 Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 58 caps)
11 Henry Arundell (Racing 92, 9 caps)
10 Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 111 caps)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 126 caps)
1 Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 57 caps)
2 Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)
3 Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 75 caps)
5 Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)
6 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
7 Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)
8 Ben Earl (Saracens, 24 caps)
Replacements:
16 Jamie George (Saracens, 84 caps)
17 Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)
18 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 106 caps)
19 David Ribbans (Toulon, 9 caps)
20 Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 24 caps)
21 Danny Care (Harlequins, 95 caps)
22 George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 90 caps)
23 Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
