Staff Reporter.
Flanker Tom Curry starts England’s Rugby World Cup third-place play-off against Argentina after a week of controversy.
Curry’s claim that he was abused by Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi in England’s semi-final defeat is being investigated by World Rugby.
Elsewhere Marcus Smith comes in at full-back and Henry Arundell is on the wing as two of eight new starters.
Scrum-half Ben Youngs makes his first start of the tournament.
Courtney Lawes, who announced he will retire from international rugby at the end of the tournament, has played his final England match after being left out of the 23-man matchday squad.
Sam Underhill makes his first appearance of the tournament after being called up to the squad as a replacement for Jack Willis during the pool stages.
Freddie Steward shifts from full-back to wing to accommodate Smith’s inclusion, meaning there is no room for Johnny May as he contemplates ending his own international career.
Owen Farrell continues at fly-half, while coach Steve Borthwick opts for an all-new front row of Ellis Genge, Theo Dan and Will Stuart.
Ollie Chessum displaces George Martin in the second row to pack down alongside Maro Itoje.
“After the disappointment of last weekend’s game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted,” said Borthwick.
“The Bronze Final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris.
“The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side. “
England beat the Pumas in the teams’ opening match of the tournament in September, making light of Curry’s third-minute red card to record a 27-10 victory.
England are playing in the third-place play-off for only the second time in their history, having previously lost to France in the 1995 bronze-medal game.
England: Smith; Steward, Marchant, Tuilagi, Arundell; Farrell (capt), Youngs; Genge, Dan, Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, Curry, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: George, Rodd, Cole, Ribbans, Ludlam, Care, Ford, Lawrence.