Alex Mitchell was on Thursday named at scrum-half in a surprise call by coach Steve Borthwick for England's World Cup Pool D opener against Argentina in Marseille this weekend.

Mitchell was a late call-up to the England squad after Jack Van Poortvliet was ruled out with injury.

Danny Care is named on the bench, with the vastly experienced Ben Youngs missing out on the match-day 23 altogether.

Courtney Lawes is named captain at blindside flanker and is joined in the backrow by Tom Curry on the openside and Ben Earl at No.8.

In the front row, vice-captain Ellis Genge starts at loosehead prop with Jamie George at hooker and Dan Cole on the tighthead.

Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are paired at lock, while Mitchell will team up with George Ford at half-back.

Manu Tuilagi partners Joe Marchant in midfield, with Jonny May and Elliot Daly filling the wingers' spots and Freddie Steward at fullback.

"With an excellent week of preparation in Le Touquet, the players are now looking forward to starting their Rugby World Cup campaign under the lights in Marseille on Saturday," said Borthwick.

"After a number of impressive performances in the last 12 months by Argentina, we know that the first game in our pool will provide a stern test.

"This great tournament provides an excitingly special opportunity for our players, who I know, as ever, will be giving their all in front of our travelling support in the south of France."

Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, George Martin and Lewis Ludlam make up the forward replacements, while Care is joined by Marcus Smith and Ollie Lawrence amid the backs hoping to make an impact should they run out at Stade Velodrome.

England (15-1)

Freddie Steward; Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes (capt); Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje; Dan Cole, Jamie George, Ellis Genge

Replacements: Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, George Martin, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Ollie Lawrence

lp/bc