Injuries hit the England team ahead of the France clash

England could be without captain Dylan Hartley for their Natwest 6 Nations game with France in Paris on Saturday.

Jack Nowell and Sam Underhill will definitely miss the match, because of ankle and toe injuries respectively.

Nowell picked up his injury in training and will miss the rest of the tournament, while Underhill could be back in time for England’s final game with Ireland at Twickenham on St. Patrick’s Day – both players have come off the bench in each of England’s Six Nations games so far this season.

31-year-old Hartley meanwhile remains in contention to play, he has some tightness in his leg, which could mean a first start of the 2018 championship for British & Irish Lions hooker Jamie George.

Exeter Chiefs hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has been called up to the squad as a precaution. His clubmate Harry Williams is also struggling with a muscle problem, with Harlequins prop Kyle Sinckler available to take his place in the 23-man squad if needs be.

England name their team to face France on Thursday.

Eddie Jones’ side will be looking to bounce back following their 25-13 defeat to Scotland in round three and need a victory against the French to keep their hopes alive of retaining the Six Nations title.