Mercer, who has been in impressive form for Club and country this season start at number eight, with Josh Bayliss among the replacements after his try-scoring heroics against Italy.

Will Butler, Joe Cokanasiga, Curtis Langdon, Max Malins, Jack Nay and Harry Randall all return to the starting XV following their unbeaten start to the campaign.

England U20, who are top of the 2017 Six Nations table after three bonus-point victories in their three matches so far, welcome Newcastle Falcons forward Max Davies into the team at lock for his first start after he made his debut in the victory over Italy.

London Irish fly-half Theo Brophy Clews and Saracens prop forward Ralph Adams-Hale are among the replacements as they return from injury and both could make their first appearance in this year’s Six Nations. They are alongside Marcus Street and Ted Hill who both featured in the England Under 18s 43-14 victory over France on Sunday.

A bonus-point win could see England secure their sixth U20 Six Nations title, with a game remaining, if Wales beat Ireland at Eirias Park.

England U20 coach Ian Vass said: “It is credit to the environment and the pool of players that selection is so competitive. We work hard on improving each week and there is a positive mind-set in camp so hopefully we can produce another good performance.

“Scotland have shown so far in the competition they are dangerous on the attack and they will come at us hard, but we just need to focus on how we perform.”

England U20 team to face Scotland U20:

15. Tom Parton (London Irish)
14. Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish)
13. Dominic Morris (Saracens)
12. Will Butler (Worcester Warriors)
11. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
10. Max Malins (Saracens)
9. Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)
1. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)
2. Curtis Langdon (Sale Sharks)
3. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
4. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
5. Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons)
6. Jack Nay (Saracens)
7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby) captain

Replacements:
16. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
17. Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens)
18. Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors)
20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
22. Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
23. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie)

Mercer to captain England U20 against Scotland U20

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