Smith has been exceptional in recent months for his club, helping Quins to a first Gallagher Premiership title since 2012 after beating 2020 Heineken Champions Cup winners Exeter Chiefs 40-38 last weekend.

Challenge Cup finalist Ellis Genge will be vice-captain and Sam Underhill starts at flanker, having missed the 2021 Guinness Six Nations because of a hip injury – he returns alongside captain Lewis Ludlow and uncapped Newcastle Falcons No.8 Callum Chick in the back row.

Bristol Bears scrum-half Harry Randall also makes his England debut, whilst Sale Sharks hooker Curtis Langdon and Leicester prop Joe Heyes join Genge as they make their first appearances in an England front row.

Josh McNally will also make international debut in the second row alongside Bath team-mate Charlie Ewels, whilst Leicester's Freddie Steward, another England debutant, completes the starting XV at full-back.

22-year-old fly-half Smith will have a new head coach when he returns to domestic action, with former All Blacks centre Tabai Matson taking over at Twickenham Stoop.

The former Bath Rugby head coach said upon his arrival: "This is a special team with some fantastic people and a great history. I'm incredibly excited to add to what this talented coaching team already has and keep pushing this side to new heights.

"Having spoken to Laurie (Dalrymple, Harlequins chief executive), Billy, as well as the existing coaches, I know we are united in the belief that this is only the beginning for Harlequins.

“I strongly believe that staying true to our identity - the Quins DNA is critical to how we will reach our goals."

Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith is amongst eight uncapped players set to make their England debut on Saturday when they face off against USA at Twickenham Stadium.