Fit-again Cokanasiga and Shields put through their paces as England prepare for France 

Injured forward Maro Itoje and Japan head coach Jamie Joseph watched on as England put the final touches to their preparations for Sunday’s crunch clash against France at Twickenham.

Itoje took part in a spot of catching practice with coach Tony Brown but the 24-year-old lock was unable to take any active part in the session at Pennyhill Park on Thursday due to the knee injury which has ruled him out for at least two weeks.  

Fit-again flanker Brad Shields was keen to impress after being named in the 25-man squad with coach Eddie Jones due to confirm his starting XV and replacements on Friday morning. 

England head coach Eddie Jones watches a drill during a training session at Pennyhill Park

Joe Cokanasiga has been recalled to the 25-man squad after recovering from a knee injury

Bath wing Joe Cokanasiga, recalled to the match squad after recovering from a knee injury, was put through his paces as England geared up for a tough physical encounter against France.   

England flanker Mark Wilson told the official RFU website: ‘You play the game for physical challenges and it is something we enjoy.

‘It’s been well documented that the French have a big pack, but there’s strengths and weaknesses in every pack, and we’ll do our homework to make sure we find out ways to exploit them.

‘It’s important to stay away from opposition strengths, like size. If you get into an arm wrestle with them then you could have a tough day at the office.’ 

Fit-again flanker Brad Shields was keen to impress after being named in the 25-man squad

Henry Slade practices his kicking during an England training session at Pennyhill Park

An injured Maro Itoje catches a ball kicked by England coach Tony Brown on Thursday

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph was also an interested spectator at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot