England vs Tonga LIVE commentary: Eddie Jones’ side take dominant lead in Autumn International clash at Twickenham – live coverage on talkSPORT 2

England welcome Tonga to Twickenham this afternoon in the first of their three Autumn International fixtures.

Eddie Jones will be hoping that his side can put in a morale-boosting performance in the first of three fixtures for them in the coming weeks.

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Tonga got their campaign underway on Saturday and fell to a 60-14 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield with Kyle Steyn scoring four tries for the Scots.

With Australia and South Africa following for England, the hope will be that they can get the run of games off to the best possible start.

England v Tonga: How to listen

The Autumn International Series clash is set to take place on Saturday, November 6 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Kick-off is set for 3.15pm.

talkSPORT 2 will provide live commentary which comes from Andrew McKenna, Ben Kay and Rachael Burford.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2, click  HERE for the live stream.

• App iPhone – 
• Android – 
• Radio – talkSPORT is available across the United Kingdom via DAB digital radio and on 1089 or 1053 AM
• TV – Listen to talkSPORT through your TV on the following channels: Sky: Channel 0108 Virgin Media: Channel 927 Freeview: Channel 723 Freesat: Channel 731

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England v Tonga: Team news

England have encountered a major setback on the eve of their Autumn Nations Series clash with Tonga after captain Owen Farrell tested positive for Covid.

Although he has not been definitively ruled out of Saturday's Twickenham showdown pending the outcome of further lateral flow and PCR tests, his involvement is in grave doubt.

ENGLAND XV STARTERS

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
14. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 66 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 59 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 48 caps)
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 87 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
8. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 33 caps)
 
FINISHERS

16. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 72 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
20. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 1 cap)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 2 caps)
23. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)

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England v Tonga: What has been said?

England coach Eddie Jones said: "This is a young but very good, talented squad who have all earned their places. It is one of the most competitive squads I have ever picked.

"There are a number of disappointed players who haven’t been selected, but they know what they need to do and no door is closed to any player.

“We’re looking forward to three tough Test matches. Tonga always play a strong, physical game and Australia and South Africa have had extended periods together and will be a good challenge for us.

“Our aim each week will be to get better and better as we work towards the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

“We’ve had two good preparation camps in Jersey and Pennyhill Park, worked really hard and we’re ready for a tough, physical game.
 
“We respect Tonga greatly and we know that with props like Siegfried Fisi’ihoi and Ben Tameifuna, we are going to have to go in the front door before the back door.”
 
“We’re especially looking forward to getting back out in front of a full crowd at Twickenham and playing some entertaining, exciting rugby for all of the supporters, we can’t wait to have them back.”