France XV vs England: Max Ozomoh calls on the visitors

Max Ozomoh could line up alongside midfield rival Benhard Janse van Rensburg in England’s non-cap match against a France XV in Venice on Friday evening, after he was called up in the 33-strong squad for the match.

However, there is no remembrance for Ozomohs Bath colleague Ollie Lawrence, who is again overlooked.

Lawrence is one of England’s 25 centrally contracted players and started in the autumn win against New Zealand.

However, the 26-year-old, who had a quick six-month recovery from a torn Achilles tendon earlier this seasonHas since struggled to regain his best form.

His only appearance in England’s Six Nations campaign this year was in the 42-21 loss to Ireland.

Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson is the other specialist center along with Ozomoh and Bristol Bears’ uncapped South-African-born Jans van Rensburg.

Janse van Rensburg, who was initially tipped to catch on for the Springboks in 2016 with a substitute appearance for the Under-20 side, Vanessa is available to face the France XV as it is an uncapped match rather than a full-fledged Test.

He will complete five years of residency to be eligible for England at Test level after the team’s Nations Championship opener against South Africa on July 4, but in time to play against Fiji and Argentina over the next two weekends.

Bath’s Ted Hill, who can play in the second row and back row, is included in the forwards. The 27-year-old won the most recent of his five England caps against the United States in July 2025.

Leicester prop Archie van der Flier, cousin of Ireland and British and Irish Lions flanker Josh, gets his first taste of the senior set-up.

Saracens teenager Noah Caluri, Love’s top try-scorer this season, could be in line for a start, with Adam Radwan, Cadan Murali and Tom Roebuck also among the wing options.

Players from Northampton and Exeter have been sidelined in preparation for Saturday’s love final, but Steve Borthwick will have the option of a heavyweight Leicester second-row combination of George Martin and Ollie Chesham.

With England considering resting Maro Itoje in the summer, strong performances from the Leicester duo could convince the coach to drop his captain.

France’s squad for the game is without players from top 14 semi-finalists Toulouse, Racing 92, Stade Francais and Montpellier, but Bordeaux Bagels center Nicolas Deporte, who has not played since dislocating his shoulder in March, could join club-mate Yoram Moefana in midfield.

Wing Theo Atsogbe, who has scored 10 tries in 13 games at Test level, is also included.