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Watson to miss England's Six Nations clash with France due to injury

Anthony Watson sustained a calf issue before meeting the rest of the England squad in Portugal at the side's training camp. Ashley Western/MB Media/Getty Images

England have suffered a setback ahead of their Six Nations opener against France on Sunday, with Anthony Watson ruled out due to a calf issue.

Watson, who represents Bath at club level, would likely have started in Eddie Jones' side in Paris, either on the wing or at full-back.

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However, the 25-year-old sustained the injury before joining the rest of the England squad at their Portugal training camp.

The news of Watson's injury was confirmed by England manager Eddie Jones on Thursday with the announcement of his 25-man squad for England's opening game against France.

As a result of Watson's injury, Jones is set to turn to either Ollie Thorley or George Furbank. Both are yet to make their Test debuts for England.

It is as yet unclear how much of the tournament Watson will miss after Sunday's opener.

The squad also included hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie. The 26-year-old had left the training camp and returned to England due to personal reasons but will rejoin the squad in Paris on Friday.

Jack Singleton, who had been called into the squad in Cowan-Dickie's absence, has had his call-up revoked.

Forwards

Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Mako Vunipola

Backs

Elliot Daly, Ollie Devoto, Owen Farrell, George Ford, George Furbank, Willi Heinz, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, Ollie Thorley, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs