George Furbank handed surprise debut at full-back for England Six Nations opener

England have sprung a surprise by naming Northampton debutant George Furbank at full-back for Sunday's Guinness Six Nations opener against France in Paris.

Furbank has been thrust into the starting XV as part of a reshuffled back three after Anthony Watson withdrew from contention on Thursday because of a calf injury.

The 23-year-old has been highly influential in Saints' superb start to the Gallagher Premiership with his speed, running lines and vision catching the eye of Eddie Jones.

"We've picked a strong forward pack which is part of the England way and an exciting backline with young George Furbank playing his first Test," England head coach Jones said.

Furbank's inclusion appears to end the experiment of playing Elliot Daly at full-back, a position he has held since June 2018.

Daly was exposed during the World Cup final defeat by South Africa and he has been shifted to the left wing with Jonny May completing the back three, for which there is no cover on the bench.

Gloucester's Ollie Thorley has been jettisoned completely with Jonathan Joseph and Ollie Devoto the back-up threequarters.