George Furbank receives surprise start at full-back over Freddie Steward for England’s Calcutta Cup clash vs Scotland… as Ollie Lawrence is drafted back into midfield after recovering from injury

George Furbank made a surprise start at full-back in the Calcutta Cup clash between England and Scotland.

Furbank has not started a trial since 2022 but replaced Freddie Steward in the number 15 shirt.

England are preparing for the unpredictable attacking threats of Scotland number 10 Finn Russell and Furbank’s attacking skills should suit an unstructured game well.

Steward was left out of Matchday 23 entirely, with Elliot Daly and Tommy Freeman held back on the flanks.

Having lacked powerful ball-carrying options in the early rounds, Ollie Lawrence has been drafted straight into centers after recovering from a hip injury.

He will partner Henry Slade in midfield, and Fraser Dingwall will also be left out of Matchday 23.

England have beaten Scotland just once since 2017 and have opted for the experienced running pair of Danny Care and George Ford for the Murrayfield Test.

Prop Ellis Genge is back in the group for his first start of the competition, pushing Joe Marler to the bench, while the rest of the group remains unchanged.

As England hope to add extra muscle to their performance, hard-hitting striker George Martin has been named on the bench after recovering from injury.