ENGLAND FORM GUIDE
FULL BACK ELLIOT DALY AGE: 26 CAPS: 33 England’s starting full-back in 15 of their last 16 Tests. Stalked by doubts about his ability under the high ball.
WING ANTHONY WATSON AGE: 25 CAPS: 36 Chronic achilles injury kept him out of Test action for 17 months, but has looked sharp and powerful since return.
CENTRE MANU TUILAGI AGE: 28 CAPS: 35 After the lost years of endless injuries, he is back at his thunderous peak. If he stays fit, he’s a potent weapon.
CENTRE OWEN FARRELL AGE: 27 CAPS: 73 The captain was England’s first-choice 10 last season but he is back at 12 and recent evidence suggests this is the best option.
WING JONNY MAY AGE: 29 CAPS: 47 Gone is the erratic wing of old. His display against Italy in Newcastle showed a player at the summit of his powers.
FLY-HALF GEORGE FORD AGE: 26 CAPS: 59 Selfless last season when he lost his place. Showed top form for Leicester, then took his chance to regain the No 10 shirt.
SCRUM-HALF BEN YOUNGS AGE: 30 CAPS: 89 Offers experience, nous and control. It is absolutely vital that he stays fit.
PROP JOE MARLER AGE: 29 CAPS: 62 With Mako Vunipola still in rehab, Marler is England’s No 1 loosehead. A better player than when he (briefly) quit.
HOOKER JAMIE GEORGE AGE: 28 CAPS: 40 After under-studying Dylan Hartley for so long, he has emerged as a pack stalwart. Highly skilful in loose play, too.
PROP KYLE SINCKLER AGE: 26 CAPS: 25 Has ability to illuminate this World Cup. Recent performances have showed his astonishing dexterity.
2nd ROW COURTNEY LAWES AGE: 30 CAPS: 75 Preferred to George Kruis at lock. Close to a decade of Test service and still athletic and destructive.
2nd ROW MARO ITOJE AGE: 24 CAPS: 29 After missing most of the Six Nations, he started twice last month and there was evidence of his improved discipline.
BLINDSIDE TOM CURRY AGE: 21 CAPS: 13 Eddie Jones is in awe of his physical development in the last year. Tipped to take this World Cup by storm.
No 8 BILLY VUNIPOLA AGE: 26 CAPS: 45 Started all four warm-up matches, as coaches reinforced the fact he needs game-time to function best. Irreplaceable.
OPENSIDE SAM UNDERHILL AGE: 23 CAPS: 10 Another who has contended with injuries. Brilliant in the big win over Ireland. Defensive demolition man.
SUBSTITUTES Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Dan Cole, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph.
TONGA David Halaifonua; Atieli Pakalani, Siale Piutau (c), Cooper Vuna, Viliami Lolohea; Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua; Siegfried Fisiihoi, Sosefo Sakalia, Ben Tameifuna; Sam Lousi, Halaleva Fifita; Sione Kalamafoni, Maama Vaipulu, Zane Kapeli.
SUBSTITUTES: Siua Maile, Latu Talakai, Ma’afu Fia, Dan Faleafa, Nasi Manu, Leon Fukofuka, James Faiva, Nafi Tu’itavake.