Friday 20 January 2017 12:25, UK
Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been included in England's Six Nations squad despite suffering a leg fracture.
Uncapped prop Nathan Catt, Leicester back-row Mike Williams and Saracens fly-half Alex Lozowski are also included by coach Eddie Jones in a party badly affected by injury, especially among the forwards.
Leicester prop Ellis Genge, recently being dropped by Jones, returns to provide additional cover if Marler is unable to prove his fitness in time for the Twickenham date.
Marler initially thought he had suffered a calf injury before Christmas but a scan revealed a fracture which initially was expected to rule him out for up to five weeks.
But Jones confirmed Marler is one of a number of players included in his squad who will be monitored closely at their training camp in Portugal next week.
Captain Dylan Hartley, who has been out suspended for the last six weeks, is also on the list of players who will have to prove their fitness before Jones named his final 23 to play the French.
James Haskell, Maro Itoje, Anthony Watson, Jack Clifford and Jack Nowell all return, as expected, after being unavailable for the autumn internationals, while Saracens lock George Kruis is selected as he continues his recovery from a fractured cheekbone.
The Australian is still protecting an unbeaten record as England coach and still sees improvement coming from his weakened squad as he prepares them for an attempt at repeating last year's Grand Slam success.
He will have to start the tournament without another prop Mako Vunipola and likely back-row starters Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola, who are all ruled out by injury.
Jones said: "This time last year I said that the long-term strategy for England is to develop a side who can be the most dominant team in world rugby.
"Obviously I've been pleased with how the team's progressing, but there's still plenty to improve on. We always want to get better, every training session, every game.
"I've been impressed with the three uncapped players named in the squad. They're all guys who have great physical capabilities and they all have a desire to improve. With a number of injuries to some key players it's a great opportunity for them.
"It's good to welcome back a number of players who weren't with us during the autumn. Maro Itoje has done well for his club as has Jack Nowell. James Haskell was magnificent for England last year and is a fierce player.
"Anthony Watson has been a fine player for England and is one the most prolific try scorers for the number of Tests he has played. We are looking forward to those guys coming in and challenging for a spot and adding strength.
"At the start of last year's Six Nations I probably didn't realise the enormity of the tournament and how intense the rivalry is between the countries, so this year we'll be better prepared for it and we are looking forward to being daring in our game against France on February 4."
England squad:
Forwards: Nathan Catt (Bath), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Dan Cole (Leicester), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Ellis Genge (Leicester), Jamie George (Saracens), Teimana Harrison (Northampton), Dylan Hartley (Northampton), James Haskell (Wasps), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Tommy Taylor (Wasps), Mike Williams (Leicester), Tom Wood (Northampton)
Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ben Te'o (Worcester), Anthony Watson (Bath), Marland Yarde (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester)
