Owen Farrell left out of England squad for Ireland clash

England captain Owen Farrell has been left out of Steve Borthwick's squad for Saturday's World Cup warm-up fixture against Ireland in Dublin.

The 31-year-old was given a red card in last weekend's 19-17 win over Wales for a high tackle on Taine Basham, which initially received a yellow card before his punishment was upgraded.

Farrell's sending off could have threatened his participation at the upcoming World Cup, but his sanction was overturned on Tuesday due to mitigating factors, allowing him to compete in France.

However, World Rugby have announced that they will appeal against the decision to rescind Farrell's red card, and the Saracens fly-half will not play against Ireland as he waits to learn the outcome of the process.

"In my original planning for the Summer Nations Series and as part of our Rugby World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in this Saturday's Test match in Dublin," Borthwick said after naming his team.

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"However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen's training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in the matchday 23.

"Owen understands the situation, but is of course disappointed, as I am, that he is missing such a special game that he would otherwise have played in."

With Farrell missing out, Sale Sharks' George Ford will begin at fly-half for England - his first national team start since 2021 - while Courtney Lawes will take on captaincy duties.

Scrum half Jack van Poortvliet has been ruled out of the World Cup due to the ankle injury he sustained at Twickenham last weekend, so Ben Youngs will partner up with Ford at half-back.

Vice-captain Ellis Genge - who brought up a half-century of England appearances against Wales - is also recalled to the XV, as are David Ribbans, Manu Tuilagi and Anthony Watson.

England lineup: Steward; Watson, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Ford, Youngs; Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Ribbans, Lawes, Earl, B Vunipola

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Chessum, Willis, Care, Smith, Lawrence