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Danny Care and Mako Vunipola start for England against France

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Danny Care and Mako Vunipola will start for England against France

Danny Care and Mako Vunipola will start for England in Saturday's Six Nations clash with France in Paris as Eddie Jones' men attempt to secure their first Grand Slam since 2003.

Care and Vunipola replace Ben Youngs and Joe Marler, who both drop down to the bench, in two changes to the starting side that beat Wales 25-21 at Twickenham last weekend.

Harlequins prop Marler was cleared to play at the Stade de France late on Wednesday evening after escaping sanction for striking and verbal abuse after incidents with Rob Evans and Samson Lee.

France name side
France name side

Loann Goujon and Bernard Le Roux will start in the back row

Dylan Hartley will lead the side despite fears he might be carrying an injury having missed Tuesday afternoon's training session. Sale hooker Tommy Taylor is present as a travelling reserve, however.

England head coach Jones said: "We've picked our best 23 who we know can get the job done in Paris.  

Mako Vunipola looks on during the England training session held at Pennyhill Park
Image: Mako Vunipola has replaced Joe Marler in the England line-up

"Everyone wants to be on the field this Saturday so selection was nip and tuck. Danny Care starts at scrum-half with Ben Youngs finishing the game.

"Mako Vunipola comes in at loose-head [prop] for Joe Marler who will make an impact off the bench.

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"While we are pleased to have already won the championship we don't want to let our foot off the gas.

Danny Care (left) and Ben Youngs, the England scrum-halves, look on  during the England training session at Pennyhill Park
Image: Danny Care (left) starts with Ben Youngs (right) on the bench

"The objective has always been to win every game, to be the most dominant team in Europe, so it's been very important for us to approach this week with the same level of intensity we have shown in previous weeks. I'm pleased with how we have prepared and with the focus the squad have shown.

"You can't underestimate any team in Test match rugby. France are a dangerous side but we go to Paris full of confidence and a hunger to get the win." 

Jones is unbeaten after four matches as England head coach
Image: Eddie Jones says France are a dangerous side

The thrilling victory over Warren Gatland's men, combined with Scotland's win against France, resulted in England claiming their first Six Nations title for five years last weekend - but the big prize is on offer in Paris on Saturday.

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Danny Care; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 James Haskell, 8 Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Jack Clifford, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Manu Tuilagi, 23 Elliot Daly

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