England must lay down a Rugby World Cup marker against France

The final push for honours, the last chance to impress, the Twickenham World Cup send-off.

Of course there are three warm-up matches to come, two of them at Twickenham.

In real terms, though, this is the side that has the opportunity to lay down a marker ahead of the tournament in six months’ time.

That is the significance of the selection.

These will be the men in possession.

These will be the man hailed by the Twickenham faithful if they manage to navigate a tricky last day and bring home Six Nations silverware.

That ability to nail something tangible, to withstand the pressur…