Six Nations 2014: Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs Dropped for France Opener

Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs will not feature in England's opening Six Nations clash with France after Stuart Lancaster ommitted the pair from his travelling squad to Paris.

Uncapped quartet Jack Nowell, Luther Burrell, Anthony Watson and Toby Flood's replacement George Ford are all included in Lancaster's 26-man squad, all of whom will travel to the French capital this weekend.

Once-capped Jonny May of Gloucester will provide another option on the wing in place of Ashton who misses his first major England Test since 2010.

The 20-year-old Nowell is the leading try scorer in the Heineken Cup this season and has impressed England sufficiently to replace Ashton, who seems to have lost form and confidence of late.

"We have been pleased with the form of Chris Ashton recently," said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

"However, Jack Nowell has made great progress on the right wing and has also delivered in big games for Exeter Chiefs and we feel it is the right time to look at another option in that position.

"Chris remains an important member of the squad and I am sure he will be working hard to regain that position during the course of the Six Nations."

Nowell will compete for a place on the wing alongside Watson as 23-year-old May looks likely to start on the left wing against France.

British and Irish Lions scrum-half Youngs' omission from the side will see the role fall instead to Danny Care or Lee Dickson at the Stade de France.

The notable absence of Youngs sees Northampton's Dickson step up as he looks to pick up his 10<sup>th England cap this weekend while Harlequins' Care has receovered from injury and is favourite for the No.9 shirt.

"Competition at scrum-half has been particularly tight and Danny Care's form leading into the Six Nations has been excellent and he merits his inclusion," added Lancaster.

Lancaster will cut his squad down to 23 on Thursday but the three remaining players will travel to Paris as backup.

Forwards: David Attwood , Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Ben Morgan, Matt Mullan , Chris Robshaw , Henry Thomas, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Tom Wood, Tom Youngs.

Backs: Brad Barritt , Mike Brown, Luther Burrell , Danny Care, Lee Dickson, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Alex Goode, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Billy Twelvetrees, Anthony Watson.