CALLS for Ollie Lawrence to be paired alongside Marcus Smith and Henry Slade have been answered ahead of England's Six Nations clash with France on Saturday.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has dropped captain Owen Farrell from the side that beat Wales in Round 3 and replaced him with the Harlequins star-man.

It means that England fans will get what they have wanted for a while; to see the flair of Smith alongside the dynamic midfield duo of former Worcester man Lawrence and Exeter's Slade. 

Lawrence will start for the third match in a row after impressing against both Italy and Wales so far in the tournament. The now Bath inside centre was named Player of the Match in the 31-14 victory over the Italians and scored the crucial try in the win in Cardiff over Wales. 

Smith for Farrell is the only change to the England team that can still win the Six Nations if they win their remaining matches, but those games are against the top two sides in the world in France and Ireland (next Saturday). 

Borthwick is still in the early stages of his tenure at Twickenham but is already relishing the prospect of going up against the French on Saturday evening. 

"We look forward to welcoming a strong France team to Twickenham this weekend in what will undoubtedly be another exciting encounter in this year’s Six Nations competition," he said.

"Over the last three years France have built a formidable side and with just three games behind us, this England team has an excellent opportunity to test itself against one of the very best teams in the world, as we progress and build on the foundations we have put in place in the short time we have been together.

"The players selected to face our visitors are again a reflection of what I see to be the right balance of personnel for the challenge we face in this game.  Marcus Smith starts at fly half and Dave Ribbans returns to the match day 23.

"Congratulations to Ellis Genge who will captain the side for the first time.  Ellis will lead from the front with the sort of dedication and spirit that now rightly typifies this England team.

"I know that a sold-out Twickenham will be in full voice, and that our magnificent supporters will make Saturday a very special occasion with a brilliant atmosphere."