Joe Marler set for England comeback in World Cup warm-up against Wales

Comeback: The Harlequins prop retired from international rugby in September
PA

Joe Marler is set to make his England comeback this weekend after being named in the squad to face Wales on Sunday.

The Harlequins prop retired from international rugby in September of last year, citing the desire to spend more time with his family as one of the factors behind his decision.

However, Marler has come out of retirement ahead of this year’s World Cup and will now make his England comeback against Wales this weekend.

Head coach Eddie Jones named his squad this morning ahead of Sunday’s match at Twickenham, with Marler named on the bench.

Jones has chosen to shuffle his pack for the game with Wales, offering debuts to Bath wing Ruaridh McConnochie and Gloucester scrum-half Willi Heinz - with the latter also named as one of two vice-captains.

There are also three uncapped players on the bench, with back rower Lewis Ludlam, Harlequins centre Joe Marchant and Saracens hooker Jack Singleton all looking to make their England bows.

In the pack, Jones has opted to rest first-choice hooker Jamie George with Luke Cowan-Dickie starting instead. He will scrum down alongside Ellis Genge and Dan Cole, while Joe Launchbury and Charlie Ewels are the second rows.

It is behind them where there is the most intrigue with England naming Tom Curry and Sam Underhill as their two flankers for the first time. Both usually operate at open side but Curry is due to start at 6.

In the backs, George Ford will skipper the side from fly-half as Owen Farrell is rested and there is a rare start for Piers Francis in the centre.

The biggest boost, though, comes in the shape of Anthony Watson returning to full fitness and he is set to make his first England appearance in 18 months.

Watson tore his achilles at the end of the 2018 Six Nations and required surgery a second time when he ruptured it again four months later.

However, the 25-year-old is now back to full fitness and will start against Wales on the wing.

Jones said: “We have completed our four weeks of pre-season training and now we have moved into four weeks of warm up games ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

“Our focus has now changed to match preparation and fitness and creating a game that will stand up to the rigours of the tournament where we have to win seven games in sevens weeks.

“Our team selection and tactics in our next four games are all about developing a team capable of winning in Japan and our overarching target of being ready when we get on the plane on the 8th of September to win the World Cup.”

“We are looking forward to playing at Twickenham and giving the home crowd something to smile about.”