England coach opts for Farrell in fly-half position ahead of pal Ford
cover. Courtney Lawes missed the entire autumn because of an ankle injury but he must settle for a replacement role with Jonny Hill preferred as Maro Itoje’s partner in the second row.
England’s depth at prop is tested by Kyle Sinckler’s ban for swearing at a referee and the unavailability of Mako Vunipola and Joe Marler, providing starting opportunities for
Ellis Genge and Will Stuart.
Beno Obano is the only uncapped player in the 23 and the Bath loosehead will make his debut if he comes on for Genge.
England will face Scotland for the 139th time in a match that marks 150 years since the rivals clashed in the first ever international rugby match.
“We’re really looking forward to this game and getting the Six Nations back underway. It’s even more special to be taking part in a 150th anniversary game, it will be a good occasion,” Jones said.
“It was difficult to pick the 23 players. We’ve had a really good week of training, it’s been very competitive but I’ve gone with what I feel is the strongest 23 for this week.
“The Six Nations is a short tournament, it’s a real sprint so we’ll need to be on the front foot straight away. We know Scotland will be raring to go – but so will we.”
Meanwhile, former England Under-20 international Cameron Redpath will make his Scotland debut at Twickenham.
The Bath centre pledged his allegiance to Scotland last month and goes straight into Gregor Townsend’s team.
The 21-year-old, the son of former Scotland skipper Bryan Redpath, was called up for England’s 2018 summer tour but pulled out after suffering a serious knee injury.
Wing Sean Maitland and fit-again fly-half Finn Russell are among those earning a recall to the starting line-up, while hooker George Turner will make his Six Nations debut.