No room for returning England stars according to the Twitterati

After England were dealt the boost of quartet Ben Te’o, Jonathan Joseph, Brad Shields and Joe Cokanasiga being fit to face France this weekend, fans have given their thoughts on Twitter as to what team Eddie Jones should field.

After such a brilliant performance against Ireland in Dublin last week, it is no surprise that the majority of the fans do not want to see any changes for ‘Le Crunch’ at Twickenham this Sunday (apart from the necessary injury replacements).

The fans were particularly insistent that Jones does not tamper with the back-row upon Shields’ return, as they were superb at the weekend. Mark Wilson put in another tireless shift in the six shirt, making the second most tackles. In fact, he was one of England’s standout performers in the Autumn as well, and despite Shields looking to be a favourite of Jones’, it would be grossly unfair to drop him. Likewise, Tom Curry’s presence at the breakdown, as well as his speed around the field, will also mean that Jones will struggle to justify dropping him.

With Nathan Hughes coming on from the bench in testing circumstances at the weekend and playing in the second-row, he does not merit being dropped from the bench either to make way for Shields.

Similarly to the back-row, it seems unthinkable that the Australian would consider tampering with his centre combination of Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade after an imperious performance in Dublin, regardless of how well Te’o and Joseph have performed in the past.

While almost all the fans were most vocal about the back-row, some were calling for the 21-year-old Cokanasiga to find his way onto the bench for the France match. He certainly does not warrant replacing Jonny May or Jack Nowell, but after such a dominant display last time he wore an England shirt in the Autumn against Australia, Jones will surely be tempted to give him another chance.

One thing that was mentioned by the fans that all England supporters would agree on is the fact that there is an incredible strength in depth to the squad, shown by a number of high-quality players missing out.

This is what the fans had to say:
https://twitter.com/thebathbadger/status/1092783691565334529
https://twitter.com/jimbobhickman/status/1092796866826260481
https://twitter.com/AntonyWallbank/status/1092821263062577162
https://twitter.com/bradbchesney3/status/1092792098716307456
https://twitter.com/NickAuger88/status/1092856649398865921
https://twitter.com/LordSparky/status/1092800729423794181
https://twitter.com/Whitlean/status/1092846459970560000
https://twitter.com/Rob683/status/1092835566389993472
https://twitter.com/TelferAlex/status/1092821607154925568
https://twitter.com/NicNacLarky/status/1092854021390565382
https://twitter.com/adrian_slabbert/status/1092823801073725443
https://twitter.com/Crypto_Strong/status/1092878196419244032
https://twitter.com/Thechief1975/status/1092825381701181440

Like the thought of having Slade and Joseph as options at 13. We've really got a ton of depth now… Except SH and FH. Although not because of a lack talent but of a lack of game time.

— Mr Fahrenheit (@FahrenheitJazz) February 5, 2019