DRAGONS hooker Will Griffiths returns to the starting line-up for Wales' Under-20s Six Nations clash with England in Gloucester this evening (kick-off 7.45pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

The front-rower is joined in the starting line-up by Rodney Parade teammates Aneurin Owen and Ben Carter, in midfield and the second row respectively, while lock Ed Scragg and scrum-half Dafydd Buckland are on the bench.

Griffiths is the sole change to the XV that secured a first win of the campaign last time out in horrendous conditions in Colwyn Bay against France.

Head coach Williams had no hesitation keeping faith with the squad for this week's clash against England.

"I thought the boys controlled the game against France really well, lessons were learned after we didn't do that very well in the first half against Ireland so that was a pleasing element.

"We spoke about exerting pressure onto France as opposed to absorbing it all like we did against Ireland and for stages of the Italy game.

"We were proud of the effort the boys put in against France and the win gives the boys a lot of confidence.

"They have built well throughout the campaign and improved as the campaign has gone on - I thought we put in a good performance in what were demanding conditions against France.

"We've had some pretty special results over the past 12 months but consistency is key for these young players going into professional rugby."

Dragons centre Owen is relishing the challenge of taking on England, who lost to Grand Slam chasing Ireland last time out, at Kingsholm as Wales continue to build towards this summer's World Rugby U20 Championship.

"Over the three games we have been building nicely," said the 19-year-old. "We didn't get off to the best of starts (against Italy), but in every game we have improved and got better.

"Hopefully we can keep kicking on and if we get better that is all you can ask.

"England have exciting players and they will bring the physicality," he added. "It's about us matching that and us being accurate and smarter than them.

"There is more confidence in the squad after the France game and we are excited about getting out there and showing what we can do."

Wales U20: Jacob Beetham (Cardiff Blues), Frankie Jones (Aberavon), Bradley Roderick (Ospreys), Aneurin Owen (Dragons), Mason Grady (Cardiff Blues), Sam Costelow (Leicester Tigers), Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Met); Theo Bevacqua (Cardiff Blues), Will Griffiths (Dragons), Ben Warren (Cardiff Blues), James Fender (Ospreys), Ben Carter (Dragons), Ioan Davies (Cardiff Blues), Jac Morgan (Scarlets – captain), Morgan Strong (Ospreys).

Replacements: Dom Booth (Scarlets), Callum Williams (Scarlets), Harri O'Connor (Scarlets), Ed Scragg (Dragons), Gwilym Bradley (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Buckland (Dragons), Joe Hawkins (Ospreys), Luke Scully (Worcester Warriors)