ENGLAND have sprung a surprise by naming Chris Ashton in place of Jack Nowell for today’s Six Nations clash with France at Twickenham.

Nowell impressed through his work-rate and carrying in the 32-20 victory over Ireland in Dublin last Saturday but has lost his spot on the right wing to Ashton, who makes his first Championship start since 2013.

Ashton is well known to France’s players after spending a season at Toulon in which he set a new Top 14 try-scoring record of 24 touchdowns in 23 appearances before joining Sale last summer.