Northmore to make England debut against Argentina

Second Test: Argentina v England

Date: Saturday, 12 July Kick-off: 20:40 BST Venue: Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario

Uncapped Harlequins centre Luke Northmore comes into the starting line-up in the only change to the England side for the second and final Test in Argentina on Saturday.

The 28-year-old takes the place of Henry Slade, who suffered a tour-ending hand injury in last weekend’s win in the first Test in La Plata.

Slade’s absence left Northmore, Oscar Beard and Max Ojomoh – all uncapped – as the only specialist centres in the squad to partner Seb Atkinson in midfield.

Atkinson won his first cap in La Plata after impressing in a pre-departure warm-up match against a France XV at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

Head coach Steve Borthwick said “The players have trained with real focus and intensity this week, determined to keep improving in every area.

“We’re expecting a tactical battle as well as a tough, physical contest, and everyone is excited for what should be a fantastic Test match.”

The fixture is the final match of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s ban for a high tackle and red card against France.

The wing has travelled with the squad and will be free to play against the US in Washington in an one-off match on 19 July.

England: Steward; Roebuck, Northmore, S Atkinson, Muir; Ford, Spencer; Baxter, George, Heyes, Ewels, Coles, B Curry, Underhill, T Willis.