England head coach Eddie Jones mulling over shock start for George Martin against Ireland

England were on Wednesday night considering a shock start for George Martin in Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Ireland.

The 19-year-old, who has made just a handful of senior appearances for Leicester, is in contention to replace Mark Wilson in the No 6 jersey.

Sportsmail understands Martin has started in training runs this week, and head coach Eddie Jones will make a late selection call on the rookie on Thursday morning.

George Martin could be handed a shock start by Eddie Jones against Ireland on Saturday

Jones is unlikely to make wholesale changes following the impressive victory over France, although centre Henry Slade is doubtful because of a calf injury.

England remain hopeful that Slade will recover for the weekend, although Elliot Daly is understood to have filled in the No 13 role in training, with Ollie Lawrence also offering a midfield option.

England will take their entire 28-man squad to Dublin, and assistant coach Matt Proudfoot revealed Joe Marchant will travel as a 29th man, in case Slade is ruled out.

Martin is in contention to replace Mark Wilson in the No 6 jersey in the Six Nations finale

‘The medical staff are very optimistic and we’ll make that call either Thursday or Friday,’ said Proudfoot.

‘Henry will be travelling with us to Dublin and we’ll give him the opportunity to be ready.

‘If he keeps progressing, it’s going to look good for him. We travel with the 28 but Joe goes as extra cover if we need it.’ 

Jones will be desperate for his England side to end their Six Nations campaign on a real high