Armitage Droped For French Clash

Delon Armitage was tonight dropped for England’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Grand Slam-chasing France – clearing the way for Ben Foden to make his first Test start at full-back. Armitage has paid the price for a slump in form, dropping out of the 22-man squad altogether, and he is not the only casualty from England’s 15-15 draw with Scotland last weekend.

England’s captain Steve Borthwick will be assessed tomorrow after undergoing treatment for a long-standing wear and tear problem in his knee.However winger Ugo Monye is unavailable after suffering a neck injury at Murrayfield while Jonny Wilkinson’s position at fly-half is under threat. Wilkinson took a couple of heavy blows to the head against Scotland but his form has been questionable all tournament and Toby Flood is pressing hard for the fly-half jersey.

England boss Martin Johnson will announce his starting XV tomorrow lunchtime with both Mike Tindall and Chris Ashton firmly in the equation to be involved from the off at the Stade de France. Tindall’s inclusion in England’s 22-man squad is little surprise given France today selected the powerful centre Mathieu Bastareaud – but it places Mathew Tait’s position in grave doubt. Tait could switch positions to replace Monye but England see him exclusively as a centre these days, leaving a Test debut for Ashton, the prolific Northampton winger, as the most likely option.

Elsewhere, flanker Lewis Moody is challenging for a recall while Simon Shaw is set for a return to the second row after recovering from a shoulder injury. ‘It is not about chopping and changing on a whim because that doesn’t do anyone any good,’ said Johnson. ‘We have got to pick a team to win every individual game.’

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.