Furbank and Curry return for England against Japan

Tom Curry and Sam Underhill – nicknamed the "Kamikaze Kids" by Eddie Jones – will start together in the back row for England against Jones' Japan on Sunday.

Curry is back after concussion and starts on the blind-side flank in place of Chandler Cunningham-South, who drops to the bench.

In the other change from the starting XV that lost to South Africa, full-back George Furbank comes in for Freddie Steward.

Meanwhile, Sale's 20-year-old prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour is set for his England debut from the bench, with experienced tight-head Dan Cole left out of the 23.

Also among the replacements, Fin Smith is named as back-up fly-half instead of George Ford.

Steve Borthwick’s side have lost five games in a row, but are heavy favourites to stop their losing run against the Blossoms, who are the last side they beat in June.

"We anticipate a tough challenge from a team that thrives on playing fast and with tempo," said Borthwick.

"Japan are a dangerous team so it’s important that we execute our gameplan and maintain focus throughout the full 80 minutes."

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