Owen Farrell back as England captain against Argentina

Tuilagi's long run of injuries meant he has started in the same backline as the twin playmakers only once, and that was on the wing, against Australia a year ago.

Jones removed the captaincy from Farrell to "allow him to concentrate on his own game" but with his replacement Courtney Lawes (33) still ruled out with concussion, his favourite "test match animal" steps back in at inside centre a year after last leading the team.

Farrell, who has been in terrific form at fly half for Saracens this season, was knocked out playing against Exeter on October 22 but has passed his "return to play protocols" after missing England's training camp in Jersey.

"Owen's come through the protocols really well," Jones told reporters at a news conference back at England's traditional Surrey training base.

"He is getting close to 100 caps (97 for England), he's the third-highest points scorer in test rugby and a significant player for us.

"Having coached for a while at the top level, I don't think I've met a player with more competitive spirit than him. He has an unbelievable desire to win, leads from the front and brings people with him."

Jones, like many England fans, was also excited to see what Sunday's 10-12-13 combination will do.

"It's been delightful to have those three together," he said. "Marcus and Owen have only played four games together and Manu wasn't involved in Australia, so to have him back brings a lot of power and pace and experience.

"They've only had three training runs but each time they get a little bit sharper, a bit more cohesive. We're looking forward to them playing, but to do that we have to get quality ball up front.

"And to have Sladey (Henry Slade) on the bench finishing the game gives us great versatility."

Ben Youngs (33) has been preferred to his Leicester teammate Jack van Poortvliet (21) as the starting scrum half.

Jonny May (32), who dislocated his elbow two weeks ago, misses out on the squad as Joe Cokanasiga (24) and Jack Nowell (29) are on the wing, with the hugely impressive Freddie Steward (21) at full back.

In Lawes's absence, Maro Itoje (28) moves to blindside flanker alongside Tom Curry (24) and Billy Vunipola (30), with Northampton's Alex Coles (23) winning his first cap at lock.

After Sunday's game England face Japan, New Zealand and South Africa, all at Twickenham.