Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith returns to England squad ahead of France match | Rugby Union News

Marcus Smith has returned to England’s squad for the upcoming Six Nations clash with France after starring in Harlequins’ win over Exeter on Saturday.

Marcus Smith returned to the England team ahead of the game against France

Steve Borthwick has recalled Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith to his 36-man squad for England’s upcoming Six Nations clash with France.

Smith has been released from the England set-up and was available for Quins last week as Borthwick stressed his need for “game time” at club level.

The 24-year-old notably starred in the team’s 40-5 victory over Exeter on Saturday, setting up two tries and missing only one place kick with Borthwick and England attacking coach Nick Evans in attendance.

“Marcus did what Steve Borthwick asked him to do,” said Tabai Matson. “When I spoke to Steve on Sunday, he said he wanted Marcus to come back, be a game leader and get some minutes.

“Ultimately, the success at international level has been fueled by what he has done here. Our attacking system is almost built around him and for him to get back in and find space, what he does, kicking or passing, just shows you what a rare talent he is. “

There is a return to the squad for tighthead Joe Heyes after he has lost his place in the wake of Will Stuart’s return to fitness and with Leicester Tigers-mate Dan Cole has come off the bench in each of England’s last three games.

Full England squad:

Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 98 caps), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 3 caps), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 12 caps), Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby, 3 caps) , Ben Earl (Saracens, 15 caps), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 46 caps), Jamie George (Saracens, 75 caps), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 10 caps), Maro Itoje (Saracens, 65 caps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 97 caps), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 17 caps), David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps), Sam Simmonds ( Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 59 caps), Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 77 caps), Jack Walker (Harlequins, 2 caps), Jack Willis (Toulouse, 8 caps).

Backs: Henry Arundell (London Irish, 5 caps), Owen Farrell (Saracens, 104 caps), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), George Ford (Sale Sharks, 81 caps), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 10 caps) , Max Malins (Saracens, 17 caps), Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 14 caps), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 54 caps), Marcus Smith ( Harlequins, 20 caps), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps), Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 50 caps), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps), Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps), Ben Youngs ( Leicester Tigers, 122 caps).