Injuries force England changes for Wales

England have been forced to make three changes to the side that will take on Wales in a World Cup warm-up match on Sunday, with Henry Slade, Ruaridh McConnochie and Sam Underhill all ruled out through injury.

Winger Joe Cokanasiga replaces Bath team mate McConnochie (hip injury) on the right while Jonathan Joseph will play at outside centre instead of Henry Slade (knee), the Rugby Football Union said in a statement.

Northampton Saints' flanker Lewis Ludlam comes in for vice-captain Underhill, who has a toe injury, while Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi have been included as reserves for the match at Twickenham.

Eddie Jones' team play Wales again in Cardiff on August 17 before two more warm-up matches against Ireland and Italy in London and Newcastle, respectively.

Their World Cup campaign begins on September 22 when they take on Pool C opponents Tonga in Sapporo.