Owen Farrell captains England in Argentina clash as Alex Coles handed Test debut at lock

Back in charge: Owen Farrell will captain England against Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday

(Picture: Getty Images)

Owen Farrell will captain England in Sunday’s opening autumn Test against Argentina at Twickenham.

The Saracens playmaker has passed all his return-to-play protocols after a concussion issue just in time to start at inside centre against the Pumas.

Farrell will lead England for the first time since the 2021 autumn clash with Australia. The 31-year-old has regained the captaincy in the wake of Courtney Lawes’ absence, also due to concussion concerns.

Maro Itoje will start at blindside flanker, slotting into Lawes’ back-row enforcer role, with Northampton’s Alex Coles making his Test debut at lock.

Marcus Smith will pilot the backline from fly-half, with Manu Tuilagi stepping in at outside centre. Bristol prop Ellis Genge and Exeter wing Jack Nowell have been named as vice-captains by head coach Eddie Jones.

Alex Coles will make his England Test debut at lock, with Maro Itoje on the blindside (Getty Images)

“It’s been a really good week of preparation and I’ve been very pleased with the squad’s attitude,” said England boss Jones. “They’ve shown real work ethic and a determination to improve and our leaders, Owen, Ellis and Jack have really lifted the team.

“We’re looking forward to a great game of rugby at a full Twickenham Stadium against a very good Argentina side. It’s been a tough time for rugby lately and we hope that these autumn games show just what a special game it is.”