George Ford ruled OUT of England’s clash with Barbarians after picking up achilles injury

England will be without fly-half George Ford for Sunday’s clash with the Barbarians after he was forced to pull out due to an achilles strain.

The clash at Twickenham will open England’s packed autumn schedule which will see them complete the Six Nations programme that was hit by the coronavirus pandemic earlier in the year, and take part in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Eddie Jones will have to face the Barbarians without Ford though who is understood to have aggravated a pre-existing tendon injury.

England will be without fly-half George Ford against the Barbarians due to an achilles injury

Among those with caps in the squad who can replace the Leicester star are Owen Farrell and Piers Francis, although the latter would prefer to play centre.

Uncapped Max Malins, who can play at 10 or full-back, is one of three Bristol players called up. Club team-mates Kyle Sinckler and Ben Earl also come into the squad.

With Wasps now cleared to play Exeter in the Premiership final, having managed to contain a Covid-19 outbreak in their squad, it leaves the Bristol trio free to come into the side.

Owen Farrell will now most likely replace Ford for Sunday’s clash at Twickenham

Among the Barbarians is former England captain Chris Robshaw and scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth.

Six days after the clash England will play their Six Nations finale against Italy.

During November they will then play Tests against Georgia, Ireland, Wales plus a fourth game against a yet-to-be confirmed opponent in the Autumn Nations Cup.  

Head coach Eddie Jones has preparing for England’s first game since March

Ahead of the match with the Barbarians, Jones was relishing the opportunity to take charge again with England having not played a game since March.

‘This is important game for us and we’re looking forward to getting back to Twickenham and playing rugby,’ said Jones.

‘We’ve had two really good camps, going back to basics and how we want to play.

‘The Barbarians squad has a rich blend of talent, so this week we’ll be testing ourselves under pressure and looking to take our game to the next level.’