England Women’s team named for France

• England just one win away from fifth successive title and Grand Slam
• Clark, Hemming, Alphonsi, Spencer and Burford return

Photo: Michael Paler

The England Women’s team to play France in the RBS 6 Nations championship decider on Friday at the Stade Vellodrome in Rennes, France, kick off 7pm GMT, has been announced.

Head Coach Gary Street, whose side could secure a fifth successive and record breaking RBS 6 Nations crown on Friday as well as the Grand Slam, has made five changes to the team that defeated Scotland 51-0 on Saturday.

Street has recalled Rochelle Clark, Sophie Hemming, Margaret Alphonsi, Captain Catherine Spencer and Rachael Burford to the starting line-up. Emma Layland and Karen Jones also keep their place in the 22 after making their first starts for England this year last weekend.

Street said: "This is a really strong squad for our game against France. We have got a lot of players in form, so selection has been really difficult. There was around 27 players with their hat in the ring for selection, but we have had to make the cut to 22 and I am certainly pleased and confident in my final selection."

With victories over Wales, Ireland, Italy and Scotland in the bag England head to France knowing that they must defeat France on their soil. France meanwhile have suffered just one defeat in the championship, against Scotland.

"France have certainly come back better this season and that is inevitable in a world cup year," Street added.

"However, we plan to go out there and play to the best of our abilities. I am not thinking about titles, grand slams, or even the world cup. Beating France is the only thing on my agenda at the moment."

England's RBS 6 Nations Fixtures:

England v Wales, Feb 6: 31-0
Italy v England, Feb 13: 41-0
England v Ireland, Feb 28: 22-5
Scotland v England, March 13: 51-0
France v England, March 19, Rennes Stade Vellodrome, KO 7pm GMT