Bath Rugby Academy's Charlie Ewels will lead England tomorrow as they kick-off the defence of their World Rugby U20's Championship title against Japan at the Stadio San Michele, Calvisano (kick-off 17.30, live on BT Sport).
Ewels' teammates Max Clark and Rory Jennings are also named in the starting line-up, which sees seven changes to the side who secured the Six Nations with a 24-11 victory over France back in March.
Head Coach Jon Callard said: "Everyone has settled in really well since arriving on Thursday. Training has been spot on - good intensity, great accuracy and plenty of enthusiasm. The squad are keen to get our processes right and they are looking forward to the first match.
"The players are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are excited about the challenge ahead. We want them not to have any nerves, to play with plenty of freedom, and to enjoy the opportunity to express themselves.
"It is tough to have Japan first because they are a relatively unknown quality. From the tapes we have studied, we know that they are they are a physical and a passionate side who will fight hard for the ball. We need to be clinical, focus on ourselves and our systems and make full use of possession."
England U20 to play Japan:
15 Aaron Morris (Saracens)
14 George Perkins (Saracens)
13 Nick Tompkins (Saracens)
12 Max Clark (Bath Rugby)
11 Tom Howe (Wasps)
10 Rory Jennings (Bath Rugby)
9 Stuart Townsend (Exeter Chiefs)
1 Ellis Genge (Bristol Rugby)
2 Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
3 Paul Hill (Yorkshire Carnegie)
4 Will Witty (Newcastle Falcons)
5 Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, Captain)
6 Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints)
7 Will Owen (Leicester Tigers)
8 James Chisholm (Harlequins)
Replacements:
16 Jack Innard (Exeter Chiefs)
17 Sebastian Adeniran-Olule (Harlequins)
18 Ciaran Parker (Sale Sharks)
19 Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs)
20 Charlie Beckett (Leicester Tigers)
21 James Mitchell (Sale Sharks)
22 Lloyd Evans (Gloucester)
23 Piers O'Conor (Wasps)
England's Schedule: (Live on BT Sport)
June 2, England v Japan, kick-off 17.30, Stadio San Michele Calvisano
June 6, England v Wales, kick-off 19.30, Stadio San Michele Calvisano
June 10, England v France, kick-off 15.30, Stadio Luigi Zaffanella Viadana
June 15, Semi-finals and knock-out games. Details TBC
June 20, Final and knock-out games, Details TBC
