Wilson earns first England cap on Argentina tour
Newcastle Falcons’ Mark Wilson will make his first capped appearance for England this Saturday, after being named in the side to face Argentina in San Juan. (KO 20:15 BST)
Wilson, whose previous two outings in the red rose of England have come in uncapped fixtures against the Barbarians, earned his place on the tour to South America after shining from the bench in the second of those games, a 28-14 win at Twickenham at the end of May.
The Cumbrian flanker enjoyed a stellar season in 2016/17, topping the Aviva Premiership tackle count for the third season in succession and making his way onto the shortlist for Premiership player of the season.
His selection affords Wilson the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities at the highest levels, as he packs down at number six, as part of a back row that includes Tom Curry of Sale Sharks and Nathan Hughes of Wasps.
Saturday’s game, along with the second test in Santa Fe on June 17th will be broadcast live on BBC2.
Speaking on his team selection, England head coach Eddie Jones said: “I’m really excited about this England team to face Argentina this weekend. I have selected a group of experienced players across the spine of this team as well as four young players who will be eager to go out and play well on their debuts for England.
“Those players have worked extremely hard to get selected over the last few weeks, but I have been impressed with the way the whole squad has trained and gelled together in a short amount of time. They all realise the opportunity that they have to be involved in this England side and I’m sure they will show that commitment on Saturday.
“We are here to win this series 2-0 but we know Argentina will be extremely tough opposition. After a mixed year of results, there will be pressure on them to play well and win in front of a partisan crowd. We know Argentina are a very good side having played them earlier this season and they will be desperate to win against us.”
**England team v Argentina
Saturday 10th June – KO 20:15 BST (Live BBC 2)**
15 Mike Brown, 14 Marland Yarde, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Alex Lozowski, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Danny Care, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Harry Williams, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Mark Wilson, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Nathan Hughes
Replacements
16 Jack Singleton, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Will Collier, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Don Armand, 21 Jack Maunder, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Denny Solomona
