DELON ARMITAGE has been dropped for England's RBS 6 Nations clash with Grand Slam-chasing France – clearing the way for Ben Foden to make his first Test start at full-back.

Armitage, whose family home is in Brixham, paid the price for a slump in form, dropping out of the 22-man squad altogether.

"We still regard Delon as an international player even though his form by his own high standards hasn't been quite right since he came back from injury," said England manager Martin Johnson.

"It's good for us to have two full backs of such quality in the squad and every team needs that going into the next World Cup. He's still an important part of our future plans."

Armitage is not the only casualty from England's 15-15 draw with Scotland last weekend.

England's captain Steve Borthwick will be assessed today after undergoing treatment for a long-standing wear and tear problem in his knee.

Jonny Wilkinson's position at fly-half is under threat. Wilkinson took a couple of heavy blows to the head against Scotland but his form has been questionable all tournament and Toby Flood is pressing hard for the fly-half jersey.

Steffon Armitage, Delon's brother, and former Torquay hooker Lee Mears have both been released from the squad. Neither featured against France.