George Furbank set to be handed England debut in Six Nations opener vs France

Uncapped rookie George Furbank is set to be thrown into the cauldron of a ‘le crunch’ showdown when England name their team on Friday to face France.

The Northampton star is in line to benefit from the shock late withdrawal of Anthony Watson due to a calf injury.

Watson’s loss is a major blow to boss Eddie Jones given he has scored eight tries in 17 championship appearances and the alternative is so inexperienced.

But Huntingdon-born Furbank, 23, has been earning rave reviews at Saints all season and experienced observers believe he is ready for his chance alongside back-three pals Elliot Daly and Jonny May.

Watson, 25, is the latest Bath player to be injured whilst on England duty, though England were last night at pains to claim he had been carrying the injury before coming into camp.

No mention was made of any injury when the 25-year-old was made available to the media on Wednesday - nor at any time during the Algarve training camp.

Despite the late setback Courtney Lawes claims confidence is high in a camp which yesterday welcomed back hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie after his 24-hour absence for family reasons.

Lawes begins his second decade of international rugby agreeing with Jones that England, who are set to also recall Joe Marler, have the tools to become the greatest team the sport has seen.

“It’s been discussed among us and I think we could certainly do that,” said the Northampton forward. “It’s on us now, on our shoulders.

“Eddie wouldn’t say that if he didn’t believe it and we believe it, we agree with it and we will do everything we can to make that happen.”

Asked who he regards as the benchmark for rugby greatness, Lawes replied the All Blacks. “They are the most dominant team over the last decade. That is what we will be looking to surpass.”