England call up Banahan

Thursday 28th May 2009, 3:00PM BST.

Matt Banahan

FORMER Jersey Academy and Siam Cup player Matt Banahan is one of six uncapped players making their debut for England against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday.

Banahan, who was originally included in the Saxons party for the Churchill Cup – the equivalent of the England B-team – has been called into the England team ahead of more experienced players Mark Cueto, Mathew Tait and David Strettle.

The Barbarians open a series of three matches for England, who host Argentina at Old Trafford a week later before heading to Salta to face the Pumas in the second Test on 13 June.

England manager Martin Johnson is expected to reduce the size of his 34-man squad after the Barbarians match but the inclusion of the giant Bath winger suggests he is already looking to the future.

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