England rugby: Chris Robshaw returns to lead strong side against France

England captain Chris Robshaw returns to the side for the Rugby World Cup warm-up clash against France on 22 August.

The Harlequins flanker did not feature the 19-14 win over Les Bleus at Twickenham, but has been recalled for the final match before head coach Stuart Lancaster cuts his squad to 31. He currently has 39 names in his training squad, with eight more set to miss out when the final group of players is put forward on 31 August.

That means this is the final opportunity for several players to impress and all eyes will be on the centre pairing of Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joseph in Paris. Lancaster is likely to pick four players in the position for the World Cup, with Sam Burgess and Henry Slade in contention alongside Billy Twelvetrees, who is among the replacements, and Brad Barritt, who misses out through injury.

George Ford and Ben Youngs provide a dynamic half-back pairing, while Mike Brown returns at full-back. Wing Jonny May is the only player to retain his place in the side.

In the pack, Robshaw joins James Haskell and Billy Vunipola in the back row, while lock Joe Launchbury will make his first international appearance in 12 months alongside Courtney Lawes.

Saracens hooker Jamie George will make his Test debut from the bench when called upon at Stade de France, while Nick Easter will be aiming to prove his fitness. Danny Cipriani will also hope for another chance to show what he can do having been named among the replacements.

"Having reviewed last Saturday, there were a lot of things we were pleased with considering it was the first game. There is now an opportunity for those not involved or who didn't get much opportunity from the bench to put a marker down and build on that performance," Lancaster said after announcing his squad.

"France will be even stronger at home and this will be a big test but these guys have been working hard for the opportunity and are desperate to go out and perform. It is a big couple of weeks ahead for all the 39-man squad with the game this weekend and some competitive training sessions to come this week and next as we look to narrow down the squad ahead of the World Cup."

England's next game is their final tune-up match against Ireland on 5 September before Fiji make the trip to Twickenham for the opening World Cup fixture in Pool A.

England starting XV vs France:

Mike Brown; Jack Nowell, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole; Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes; James Haskell, Chris Robshaw (capt), Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, David Wilson, Dave Attwood, Nick Easter, Danny Care, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees.