Newcastle flanker Guy Pepper is called up to the England squad to replace injured Chandler Cunningham-South for Six Nations finale against France

Newcastle flanker Guy Pepper has been called up to the England squad to replace the injured Chandler Cunningham-South for the Six Nations final against France in Lyon.

The 20-year-old Falcons prodigy had a breakthrough season and earned wider attention when he made a Premiership record 34 tackles in a phenomenal defensive display against Saracens.

Pepper has been included by boss Steve Borthwick in a 36-strong training squad after Harlequins wing Cunningham-South suffered a calf injury in a superb cameo in Saturday’s 23-22 win over Ireland.

While Pepper is unlikely to play for Lyon, his promotion to the senior ranks is another indication that Borthwick is committed to accelerating young talent.

But it was another supreme display from a more established defender, Ben Earl, that earned him the man of the match award.

Earl has expressed his desire to become the best player in the world this year and Borthwick said: “Ben Earl played his first 15 games off the bench. In last year’s Six Nations he played a number of games and then got knocked out. I think Now he feels supported. He feels that he is growing as a player and wants to continue improving.

“I sat down with him this morning. He talked and showed me what he wanted to do today and he pretty much did exactly what he said. It’s phenomenal the thought process he’s going through and how ambitious of a player he is.”

Borthwick was asked if victory over a renowned Irish team would help him convince his team that their rebuilding mission is on the right track.

He said: “The players’ confidence in you is vital.” There was a period right up until 2023 where we were working on relationships to build that trust.

‘I’ve been showing them the progress they’re making, showing them the evidence, but sometimes it’s hard to see, especially when everything unfolds under such scrutiny.

“That’s why it’s important to get tangible results and my job is to reinforce them and challenge us to be better next week.”