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England will appear in the six nations curtain as the defending champion and winner of the Autumn Nations Cup in 2021.
However, they face a Scottish side who, in the last meeting between these nations at Twickenham 2019, showed a strong spirit and skill to keep their hosts in a 38-38 tie.
This feat was inspired not least by Finn Russell, whose return after an argument with head coach Gregor Townsend last year could be the shot in the arm the team are looking for.
England
ELLIOT DALY
Elliot Daly’s lack of playing time is put to the test by Scottish head artist Finn Russell
Age: 28. Caps: 47.
After two months without a game, you have to be on the alert to deal with Finn Russell’s cheeky chips.
ANTHONY WATSON
Age: 26. Caps: 46.
Hopefully given more opportunities to show their speed if England restrict their kick game.
HENRY SLADE
Age: 27. Caps: 34. Might startle Russell or intercept his floating passports by getting into his eye-line in defense.
OLLIE LAWRENCE
Age: 21. Caps: 3. Another way to gain a strong advantage in the absence of Manu Tuilagi.
JONNY MAI
Age: 30. Internationals: 61. Has worked on his first class kick chase skills with new coach Ed Robinson.
OWEN FARRELL
Age: 29. Caps: 88. Will try to physically dominate his opponent in the fight of the number 10.
BEN YOUNG
The form and leadership of Ben Youngs was one of the hallmarks of England under Eddie Jones
Age: 31. Internationals: 104. Could overtake Jason Leonard as England’s top-manned male player in 2021.
ELLIS GENGE
Age: 25. Internationals: 23. In the absence of Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola, one of the leading figures in the pack.
JAMIE GEORGE
Age: 30. Internationals: 54. The bride and groom are hoping for more chances to carry the ball than in the autumn tests.
WILL STUART
Age: 24. Caps: 8. The 127 kg propeller has refined its scrummaging under Dai Young at Wasps and stands for Kyle Sinckler.
MARO ITOJE
Maro Itoje will try to improve his Lions captaincy prospects off Warren Gatland
Age: 26. Internationals: 43. May increase his chances of capturing Lions off Warren Gatland at Twickenham.
JONNY HILL
Age: 26. Caps: 4. Exeter Lock received the nod to Courtney Lawes after its hurricane in 2020.
MARK WILSON
Age: 31. Caps: 19. The fighter in the back row can pressurize Russell to fall off the payline.
BILLY VUNIPOLA
Age: 28. Internationals: 56. Could be overcooked after the planned warm-up game for Saracens was canceled.
TOM CURRY
Age: 22. Caps: 28. All-action flankers should team up with Mark Wilson to eliminate the poaching threats.
Scotland
STUART HOGG
Age: 28. Internationals: 80. Twinkle-toes should have a better look at England after moving to Premiership champions Exeter.
SEAN MAITLAND
Age: 32. Caps: 50. Adds the last three defensive nous when England launches an air strike from kicks.
CHRIS HARRIS
Age: 30. Internationals: 23. Gloucester misses victories but Gregor Townsend’s 21st different center pairing is getting stronger.
CAMERON REDPATH
Cameron Redpath will bow his Scotland down to the land where he honed his craft
Age: 21. Caps: 0.
Head to head with former England U20 team-mate Ollie Lawrence on his debut.
DUHAN VAN DER MERWE
Age: 25. Internationals: 5. The South African tackle breaker has signed a contract for a lot of money in Worcester.
FINN RUSSELL
Age: 28. Internationals: 51. The world’s No. 10 box office will keep England up to date with its skills.
ALI PRICE
Age: 27. Caps: 37. Reuniting with old roommate Russell for a quick half-back combo.
RORY SUTHERLAND
Rory Sutherland is another player who will try to make a good impression on Gatland
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