Daly retains place in 25man squad for Ireland clash

Elliot Daly remains in contention for the final hurdle of England’s Grand Slam defence after being retained in a 25-man squad for Saturday’s clash with Ireland.

Daly was the victim of a tip tackle by hooker Fraser Brown in the victory over Scotland at Twickenham and has so far passed the return to play protocols for concussion.

The Wasps wing has two more stages to negotiate – Thursday’s full contact practice is the final element – and England hope he will be given the all clear for the climax to the 2017 RBS 6 Nations in Dublin.

The champions are likely to name an unchanged matchday 23 if Daly proves his fitness.

The biggest selection call facing Eddie Jones is at number eight where Billy Vunipola could be recalled in place of Nathan Hughes.

Vunipola made a successful international comeback against Scotland after three months out with a knee injury, crossing for a try as a second-half replacement, but it was also Hughes’ strongest performance of the Six Nations.

Wasps hooker Tommy Taylor has been retained with the squad and is destined to perform travelling reserve duties alongside wing Jonny May.

Meanwhile Keith Earls has become a doubt for Ireland due to a groin injury.

Earls sat out training yesterday, leaving Ulster’s Jared Payne ready to step into Ireland’s backline if the Munster flyer cannot recover.

Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek backed Earls to return to training tomorrow, but boss Joe Schmidt usually wants his starting squad to complete the Tuesday session before a Saturday match.

Ireland will fight to avoid defeat to all three home nations rivals in one championship for the first time since 1998, following their comprehensive loss in Wales.

England are hopeful Elliot Daly will be able to face Ireland.