OWEN FARRELL vowed to take out his World Cup frustration on Chile tomorrow – and make up for one of the toughest months of his England career.
Fly-half Farrell returns as Red Rose skipper after finally completing his four-game head tackle ban.
The Saracens playmaker is one of 12 changes from the side that stuttered past Japan last week, with Marcus Smith in at full-back and Billy Vunipola also making his first start after suspension.
Farrell, hailed as an “incredible leader” by coach Steve Borthwick. conceded it had been tough to cope with his enforced absence.
He said: “It has been a bit challenging for me.
“You come together and you are unbelievably excited about playing for England and getting started in a World Cup.
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“But since we found out about the ban it was clear my role had changed.
“I was glad I was able to keep training, so it wasn’t like being injured, where you’re sat on the sidelines and can’t do too much.
“It meant I’ve been still part of the group, which was good, but ultimately you still want to be out there at the weekend.
“I wouldn’t describe myself as a good watcher. I don’t detach myself and even sitting in the stands I’m knackered by the end, to be honest.
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“That was especially after that first one, Argentina. I feel involved and like I’m out there at times.
“So I feel every emotion that goes with it, sometimes even more than I would if I was playing.
“The World Cup is the biggest tournament you can play in.
“We’ve all been here for three or so weeks now. You can see the size of the atmosphere, the size of the tournament, you can see the atmosphere that’s building around the place.
“And you can see in games the crowds that are coming over, everything to do with that is bigger. I can’t wait to get going in it.”
Borthwick’s faith in Farrell has never wavered, reiterated as he made clear: “I picked Owen as captain back in June, and have been very clear on that.”
Despite that, the suspicion is that the captain will move to centre to play outside George Ford in future games has strengthened in recent days.
Smith’s selection at full-back opens the intriguing prospect of the three fly-halves in the England squad being on the field together at some point.
Borthwick has also handed World Cup debuts to wingers Max Malins and Henry Arundell, prop Bevan Rodd, second row Dave Ribbans and flanker Jack Willis.
Forwards Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes and Jamie George as well as scrum-half Alex Mitchell, centre Manu Tuilagi, winger Jonny May and normal full-back Freddie Steward get the weekend off ahead of the final pool game with Samoa.
Borthwick said: “We want to take a step forward on what the lads have already done really well the last couple of weeks.
“We have played really smart, winning rugby so far and we want to kick on.”
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When is England vs Chile?
- England's Pool D encounter against Chile will take place on Saturday, September 23.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 4:45pm BST.
- Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host approximately 50,000 fans.
- This will be the first time England and Chile go head-to-head in a competitive match.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- England vs Chile will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 3:55pm BST – 50 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the entire match live on ITVX
- Alternatively, follow SunSport's blog for minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
Fans can watch England vs Chile for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
What is the team news?
England team: Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Owen Farrell (captain), Danny Care, Bevan Rodd, Theo Dan, Kyle Sinckler, David Ribbans, George Martin, Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, Billy Vunipola
Replacements: Jack Walker, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Joe Marchant.
Chile team: Francisco Urroz; Cristobal Game, Domingo Saavedra, Matias Garafulic, Franco Velarde; Rodrigo Fernandez, Benjamin Videla; Salvador Lues, Augusto Bohme, Matias Dittus; Clemente Saavedra, Javier Eissmann; Martín Sigren (captain), Ignacio Silva, Alfonso Escobar.
Replacements: Tomas Dussaillant, Vittorio Lastra, Inaki Gurruchaga, Pablo Huete, Thomas Orchard, Raimundo Martínez, Lukas Carvallo, Inaki Ayarza
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What are the odds?
- England to win 1/1000
- Tie 100/1
- Chile to win 40/1
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
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