However, coach Fabien Galthie has more recently favoured Thomas Ramos, more usually a full-back, at 10.

Jalibert returned to his club side Bordeaux-Begles rather than act as back-up to Ramos during the autumn internationals, but Galthie has insisted that there was no lasting damage to their relationship.

"We need Matthieu Jalibert," he said in January.

"I prefer a player who verbally expresses his wishes rather than players who suffer."

England will name their team later on Thursday with Fin Smith expected to promoted to fly-half and usual 10 Marcus Smith dropping into the backfield to play full-back.

France: Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Roumat, Meafou, Cros, Boudehent, Alldritt.

Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Colombe, Auradou, Guillard, Jegou, Le Garrec, Gailleton.