England will look to continue to build momentum as they seek a third successive win with Italy in town.
Narrow victories over France and Scotland have been overdue tight successes for Steve Borthwick’s side, though they themselves have conceded that they are yet to produce their best in this campaign. With a reasonably friendly finish to the Six Nations, the hope for Borthwick will be that his side can open up their attacking game and eradicate a few glaring defensive flaws.
The England head coach leaves Marcus Smith on the bench and drops Henry Slade entirely for the visit of the Azzurri, who are looking to bounce back from a battering at the hands of France. The shipping of 11 tries in Rome punctured the optimism that had surrounded Gonzalo Quesada’s squad but there is still a lot to like about an Italian team that will again seek a first ever victory over their hosts.
Follow all of the latest from Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in our live blog below:
England vs Italy LIVE
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England host Italy in the Six Nations | Live on ITV
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Steve Borthwick’s side must produce better attacking performance to keep title hopes alive
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72′ – TRY! Menoncello trots over with England defence sleeping (ENG 42-24 ITA)
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53′ – TRY! Quick England hands free Sleightholme for his second try in the corner (ENG 42-17 ITA)
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47′ – TRY! Curry picks and goes for the try (ENG 35-17 ITA)
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44′ – TRY! Curry offloads superbly to Marcus Smith to accelerate over (ENG 28-17 ITA)
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35′ – TRY! Sleightholme finishes neat move out wide (ENG 21-14 ITA)
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32′ – TRY! Great pace from Vintcent to surge over the line (ENG 14-14 ITA)
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28′ – TRY! Capuozzo caught napping as Freeman collects Daly’s kick for the score (ENG 14-7 ITA)
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15′ – TRY! Capuozzo collects Ioane chip to level the scores (ENG 7-7 ITA)
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5′ – TRY! Willis barrels over to give England early lead (ENG 7-0 ITA)
England 42-24 Italy, 75 mins
16:44 , Luke Baker
Ben Earl to inside centre? Dingwall off and Ted Hill on as a blood replacement, so presumably Earl will be playing 12 now. It worked for France yesterday….
Good attacking position for Italy but they turn it over, England then wina scrum penalty and will try to build from halfway
TRY! England 42-24 Italy (Tommaso Menoncello, 72 mins)
16:42 , Luke Baker
Just as I say that, England’s defence goes to sleep!
Zuliani is stopped but not brought to the ground, he spins out of contact, hands off a defender and gets within a metre of the line.
A quick pass from the ruck to Tommaso Menoncello also catches England flat-footed and he trots in. Frustrating for the hosts.
Easy conversion added and Italy are one try from the bonus point now.
England 42-17 Italy, 71 mins
16:39 , Luke Baker
Turnovers from both teams off their respective lineouts but a lovely flicked offload out of the back of Daly’s hand to the supporting Chessum continues his strong day, Surely a man of that match contender, the England full back (although he moved to centre nine minutes in)?
This match is definitely petering out though.
England 42-17 Italy, 68 mins
16:36 , Luke Baker
England get the push on at the scrum and belt the ball clear into the Italian half. Capuozzo then penalised for holding on as he returns the kick.
England suddenly in the Italian 22 for the lineout – they’ve flipped the field completely in about 30 seconds.
The maul is stopped by Italy, the ball flies loose and Zuliani is able to hack clear.
England 42-17 Italy, 67 minutes
16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
A really scrappy period with both sides making plenty of changes and a few legs beginning to tire. The Italian job feels to be done for England, but they should not switch off – there is a chance to further enhance their points difference and really produce a statement result in this final 15 minutes.
England 42-17 Italy, 66 mins
16:33 , Luke Baker
Stern words at the scrum from referee Andrew Brace. He wants both front rows to do better – we’ve definitely entered a phase of resets recently.
A crashing run by Menoncello livens things up slightly and Italy win the penalty for England playing the ball on the ground. They go to the corner…
Lienout is clean and it’s lovely hands but the little inside flick from Garbisi to Gallagher is narrowly forward. The chance goes
England 42-17 Italy, 64 mins
16:30 , Luke Baker
The Mexican wave has started at the Allianz Stadium which is never a good sign…
Our first reset scrum of the day – what an auspicious moment… But Sleightholme then knocks on in contact as he tried to get his hands free to offload to Cunningham-South. Scrappy, scrappy stuff
Mitchell off for England with Jack van Poortvliet on at scrum half.
England 42-17 Italy, 62 mins
16:28 , Luke Baker
Italy overthrow the lineout and Chessum is on hand to rumble forward, handing off a couple of defenders.
Things getting scrappy now,a lot of loose ball and knock-ons. Perhaps this was inevitable once the replacements started entering the fray. It’s gone a bit flat since the mania at the start of the half.
England 42-17 Italy, 60 mins
16:26 , Luke Baker
England running from their own half again but Dingwall is upended by Lorenzo Cannone.
Italy then win the penalty and go quickly as Page-Relo darts into a gap and then wins the penalty off Cowan-Dickie who illegally plays the scrum half.
Fin Baxter and Joe Heyes on int he England front row for Genge and Stuart. They’ll defend an Italy lineout on the 22 in the first instance.
England 42-17 Italy, 58 mins
16:24 , Luke Baker
England run the ball back following a kicking battle and there’s space for Ben Curry to trundle down the blindside. Capuozzo collects his grubber easily enough though.
However, the clearance kick is charged down and then a second one is as well! The ball career’s into the Italian in-goal area, where Garbisi dots down to end the madness and the Azzurri can goal-line drop clear.
England 42-17 Italy, 55 mins
16:22 , Luke Baker
Italy win a scrum penalty and tap and go in the England 22 but soon turn the ball over. Good defensive discipline from the hosts.
Tom Curry has taken a slight knock while tackling MEnoncello so he’s taken off with Ted Hill coming on. MArtin PAge-Relo also on for Varney at scrum half for Italy.
England 42-17 Italy, 55 mins
16:20 , Luke Baker
We’ve had six England tries but that might be the biggest cheer of the day.
Jamie George roared off on the day of his 100th cap as Luke Cowan-Dickie comes on at hooker
TRY! England 42-17 Italy (Ollie Sleightholme, 53 mins)
16:18 , Luke Baker
It’s out of nothing but England have try number six! Italy are offloading near their own 22 and the ball eventually comes loose.
Itoje seizes on it and runs a few metres before a overhead pass to his support. Curry then witha one-arm underarm pass, glorious quick hands gets the ball out again to Ollie Sleightholme and he dives over in the corner. Neat finish.
Fin Smith is kicking like a dream and nails another conversion. He’s six for six
England 35-17 Italy, 52 mins
16:16 , Luke Baker
England still trying to play expansive rugby but slow, slow ball sends them backwards as the Italian defence charges up. They go to the box kick and Capuozzo is levelled as he claims the ball
England surge into lead
16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Exactly the start to the second half that Steve Borthwick would have wanted from his side. Accurate, intense, purposeful and powerful, this has been a masterclass in how to exert one’s advantage.
The sight of Ben Earl limping down the tunnel will be a concern for the England coach, though – with Tom Willis already off, Chandler Cunningham-South steps in at No 8, where he hasn’t been sighted much in national colours. This feels like the type of day the Harlequin, full of physical potential, should enjoy.
England 35-17 Italy, 51 mins
16:15 , Luke Baker
A little bit of pushing and shoving near midfield but nothing serious.
Chandler Cunningham-South on for Earl in England’s back row while Gianmarco Lucchesi, Manuel Zuliani and Lorenzo Cannone all on in the Italy pack
TRY! England 35-17 Italy (Tom Curry, 47 mins)
16:10 , Luke Baker
Ben Curry on for Willis as England start the replacement train. They’ve got momentum now and drive forward with a maul from a lineout on the 22.
They heave up to five metres away – a couple of phases brings the ball infield. Tom Curry and George taking contact.
Mitchell thren has a dart from the base before Tom Curry picks up, goes himself and powers over! Easy conversion for Fin Smith and it’s a fifth England try.
TRY! England 28-17 Italy (Marcus Smith, 44 mins)
16:07 , Luke Baker
A couple of one-up carries in midfield for England before they finally make a few metres and Stuart shows off his dancing feet, stepping a defender, to get them on the front foot.
And then it’s try time! Curry takes contact with two Italian defenders, frees his hand for the offload and Marcus Smith is in support, he jinks past the final defender and accelerates to the line! Lovely try.
Fin Smith adds the extras and England are rocking and rolling now.
England 21-17 Italy, 42 mins
16:05 , Luke Baker
England give away an early penalty and Italy have a lineout on the 22. They fling the ball wide to the left where Gallagher looks like he may have a shot at the corner but tries to cut back and Marcus Smith makes a superb dump tackle.
And England then get the turnover as Earl jackals well and wins the penalty off Nicotera.
KICK-OFF! England 21-17 Italy
16:03 , Luke Baker
Back underway as Garbisi kicks deep to begin the second half. Can England pick their moments better in this second half while still showing the ambition that they demonstrated in the first 40.
England show attacking ambition – but risk playing into Italy’s hands
15:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Wow. A real rollercoaster of a half, stomach thrown hither and thither as it twisted and turned. England have displayed the adventure they promised but been matched by the intrepid Italians, who have increasingly managed to trap the hosts playing from too deep to create opportunities for themselves. A half that would have quietened a few critics of England’s style of play – though that may be playing into the visitors’ hands.
WATCH: First-half highlights
15:54 , Luke Baker
Five tries in a thrilling first half – here’s a few of the highlights from it
HALF-TIME! England 21-17 Italy
15:49 , Luke Baker
The Azzurri maul stalls, the ball is somewhere in the melee and it’s not coming out. England turnover and that’s half-time.
What a brilliant half of rugby! Thrilling stuff in the sunshine and England narrowly lead. Italy are right in this though.
England 21-17 Italy, 40 mins
15:47 , Luke Baker
England were actually pinged at that scrum – Will Stuart the man penalised and Italy have a lineout in the England 22 to end the half. Can they go into the break ahead?
England 21-17 Italy, 39 mins
15:46 , Luke Baker
Menoncello is a demon at the breakdown and he spoils the ball for Mitchell who knocks on trying to get it way.
Italy scrum in England’s half which holds firm and gives them an attacking platform.
PENALTY! England 21-17 Italy (Paolo Garbisi, 38 mins)
15:45 , Luke Baker
Easy for Paolo Garbisi and no mistake this time as he slots the three points.
England 21-14 Italy, 37 mins
15:44 , Luke Baker
England try to show their ambition by playing the ball from inside their own 22 but when Willis is tackled, Vintcent is able to get over the ball and win the penalty.
This will be a simple shot at goal.
TRY! England 21-14 Italy (Ollie Sleightholme, 35 mins)
15:42 , Luke Baker
What a game this is turning into! England hit straight back with a try themselves.
They win a penalty in Italian territory and choose to tap and go. That’s in the right corne and they work the ball all the way to the other side of the field in four passes! Dingwall just gets his off to Marcus Smith before being clobbered and Smith heaves a huge throw out to Ollie Sleightholme who is all alone on the right flank.
Pace to the corner from the winger as he slides over. A tricky conversion for Fin Smith from the left touchline but he nails it! Superb kick
TRY! England 14-14 Italy (Ross Vintcent, 32 mins)
15:39 , Luke Baker
Ross Vintcent that is serious pace! Unbelievable from the Italy and Exeter No 8! A stunning Italy score!
Capuozzo returns a reasonably aimless kick as he weaves between defenders in his patented style and pops inside to the supporting Vintcent. He’s got 30 metres to go and turns on the afterburners by slicing between two defenders, dummying Marcus Smith with a pass and outpacing Ellis Genge and Fin Smith to the line! Class!
Garbisi adds the conversion and we’re level again!
TRY! England 14-7 Italy (Tommy Freeman, 28 mins)
15:35 , Luke Baker
It doesn’t matter as England immediately score anyway! What on earth is Ange Capuozzo doing? He’s caught sleeping as Daly threads a grubber kick through with the outside of his left boot.
Capuozzo doesn’t start turning to run back until Tommy Freeman is past him, the England winger collects the ball, steps inside the covering Garbisi and dives over for the score. A gift for England!
Fin Smith, who is still goal-kicking even though namesake Marcus is now on the field, slots the tricky conversion from out wide and England lead 14-7.
England 7-7 Italy, 27 mins
15:33 , Luke Baker
Celebrations from Italy! A very clever lineout by England, using Itoje as a dummy jumper and firing to Earl at the front.
He’s driven within a metre of the line but Itoje then picks up and dives over the top of the ruck. He’s nowhere near grounding the ball – he basically dived on a pile of bodies. Not the smartest move by the England captain, held up over the line. Italy will have a goal-line dropout.
Although we’re going to the TMO to see if Earl’s drive was stopped illegally. They deem not – “a clear sack” says the referee, although a couple of Italian defenders may have come in at the side. Nevertheless, they survive.
England 7-7 Italy, 26 mins
15:30 , Luke Baker
Good set from England, a couple of phases and Ruzza is pinged for a no-arms tackle on Marcus Smith.
Lineout five metres from the Italy line…
England 7-7 Italy, 25 mins
15:29 , Luke Baker
That’s class by Fin Smith. A dangerous kick through from Capuozzo sees him hurtle across to collect, five metres from his own line, he sidesteps a tacklers and boots clear to halfway. Calm and composed from the England fly half.
Italy starting to find their flow
15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
That’s a really poor miss from Paolo Garbisi, assuming kicking duties with no Tommaso Allan in the Italian side today. The visitors have started to really find their flow in attack after a difficult opening to the game, buoyed no doubt by that Ange Capuozzo score.
Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex are working some really funky shapes in midfield.
NO PENALTY! England 7-7 Italy (Paolo Garbisi, 24 mins)
15:28 , Luke Baker
Let-off for England. The penalty is on the 22, to the right of the posts but a kick Paolo Garbisi would expect to make most, if not all, of the time.
But it slips wide of the left posts and it’s still 7-7.
England 7-7 Italy, 23 mins
15:26 , Luke Baker
Mistakes creeping into England’s game. Chessum is pinged for going in too soon. Italy have the lineout on the 22, they make a mess of it but England immediately knock on and give them the ball back.
Capuozzo tries to dance through a half-gap and gorgeous offloading takes them up to the 22 where they win a penalty for no clear release in the tackle. They’ll go for the posts.
England 7-7 Italy, 21 mins
15:24 , Luke Baker
Italy will be delighted with this first quarter – they’ve weathered the England storm and come out level.
Ioane competes with Marcus Smith for an up and under and spoils it well, forcing the ball backwards and giving Italy possession just outside the 22. But England win the turnover penalty and Fin Smith hammers clear to halfway.
England 7-7 Italy, 19 mins
15:22 , Luke Baker
Mitchell dances left, then right before popping to Earl for the carry. England running out of space down the right but Freeman tries to get his hands free in the tackle to make the pass.
Gallagher, who is facing backwards, deliberately knocks it down and Italy clear their lines out of the 22. Another chance gone begging for the hosts
England 7-7 Italy, 17 mins
15:20 , Luke Baker
England respond well, win a penalty and kick to the corner. Great attacking opportunity. HEAVE is the cry from the crowd as they set up the maul.
Five metres from the line now.
TRY! England 7-7 Italy (Ange Capuozzo, 15 mins)
15:19 , Luke Baker
Well, well, well! Italy strike with more or less their first attack!
The lineout is good and they go all the way to the right wing where Ioane flicks a stunning chipped kick over the defensive line, Ange Capuozzo is at full tilt and the ball bounces up perfectly for the full back to collect and dive over for the try. Gorgeous score.
Garbisi nails the conversion and we’re level at the Allianz. England made to pay for not converting their dominance into more points.
England 7-0 Italy, 14 mins
15:17 , Luke Baker
Italy prop Marco Riccioni receives treatment but he’s good to continue. Italian lineout is solid and Varney puts up a box-kick that pins Sleightholme on the touchline and he does well to stay in play and flick a behind the back pass!n Very Dupont-esque…
The attack breaks down when a kick-pass bounces into touch.
England 7-0 Italy, 13 mins
15:15 , Luke Baker
Mitchell sends up a high bomb to test Capuozzo and he’s equal to it. Sleightholme is then equally effective under the return kick and sets up England in Italian territory.
Genge with a carry in the tight before Dingwall dinks a kick through that bounces into touch and ensures a defensive Italian lineout. All the play is in Italy’s half, and largely their 22, so far. A good start by Borthwick’s men.
England 7-0 Italy, 10 mins
15:13 , Luke Baker
The scrum is solid and England run three straight crash balls into the guts of the Italian defence. The Azzurri nab the turnover though when Fin Smith has the ball stripped in contact and they gleefully clear towards halfway
Ollie Lawrence injury a significant blow
15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium
A real blow, that, for England with Ollie Lawrence carted off. The hosts have begun with real fizz and purpose in attack, with the centre providing a focal point.
On comes Marcus Smith to a huge roar, having also got the strongest reaction when his name was read out ahead of kick off – Elliot Daly has gone to outside centre, leaving England without the same carrying punch. Might we see more of Tommy Freeman roaming off his wing after a couple of good early moments down the touchline?
England 7-0 Italy, 9 mins
15:12 , Luke Baker
An early blow for England though as Lawrence has gone down in a lot of pain. The cart comes on and he’s taken off.
After all the controversy around Marcus Smith being dropped, he’s on after nine minutes! He’ll go to full back and Daly comes into the centres alongside Dingwall.
England with the five-metre scrum
England 7-0 Italy, 8 mins
15:10 , Luke Baker
This is the rugby England want to play! From the lineout they go all the way across the field, a gorgeous looped pass over the top from Daly on the wraparound finds Freeman and he powers to within a couple of metres of the Italian line.
The Azzurri defence holds firm and holds them up in the in-goal area.
England 7-0 Italy, 7 mins
15:07 , Luke Baker
That England try all came from Daly running a loose ball in his own 22, rather than kicking. Exactly the sort of brave, ambitious rugby Borthwick has been urging his side to play.
First scrum of the day in midfield. England put-in and it’s solid. In fact, England get a push on and win the scrum penalty.
Advantage played and Lawrence with a powerful carry to the 22 but we’re back for the penalty.
TRY! England 7-0 Italy (Tom Willis, 5 mins)
15:05 , Luke Baker
Good defensive set by England, they force the knock-on in contact from Varney and Daly then surges up to halfway.
A barrelling carry by Earl makes more yards, they go right and Freeman charges down the wing before popping inside.
Mitchell flings the ball to Tom Willis who splits two defenders and dives over for the try. Dare I say that was a bit too easy for England. Fin Smith adds the conversion. Ideal start for the hosts.
England 0-0 Italy, 2 mins
15:02 , Luke Baker
England’s first pass of the day hits the deck as Freeman’s radar is off but it bounces backwards, so no harm done.
England try to build from a lineout on halfway but give away the breakdown penalty and Italy move into English territory
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Italy
15:01 , Luke Baker
And we’re off in southwest London! Fin Smith kicks the ball into the Twickenham air. It’s short and contestable but Italy dive on it.
Kick-off imminent
14:59 , Luke Baker
Anthems done and we’re ready for kick-off. Can England make it three wins on the spin at Twickenham?
Jamie George runs out for 100th cap
14:59 , Luke Baker
Before the rest of the teams emerge, Jamie George walks out on to the Allianz Stadium turf on his own to receive the rapturous applause for his 100th cap.
I say on his own, he’s the only player to come out but his young daughter Lydia is with him in his arms. A lovely moment for the George family and a well deserved accolade for one of rugby’s genuine good guys.
The rest of the players follow and we’re only a few minutes away from kick-off. It’s the anthems first, though.
Match officials for England vs Italy
14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
Asisstant Referees: Craig Evans (Wal) & Luc Ramos (Fra)
Television Match Official: Marius Jonker (SA)
Foul Play Review Officer: Mike Adamson (Sco)
England vs Italy
14:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
It is a simply glorious day at Twickenham, nary a cloud in the sky and the sun beating down to make it feel more like mid-July than early March. I must say it is rather welcome after a couple of chilly outings at the start of this tournament.
Can England utilise the dry, dreamy conditions to open up their attacking game?
Jamie George gets moving messages on his 100th cap
14:40 , Luke Baker
This is well worth five minutes of your time before kick-off. Jamie George has received plenty of messages ahead of his 100th cap this afternoon.
The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete Six Nations performance
14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is a famous television interview that came to stand as a signature memory of Steve Borthwick’s oft-maligned tenure as England captain. It was February 2010 at the Stadio Flaminio and England had endured a dreadful day, barely squeaking by a limited Italian side. Off the skipper came to face the BBC microphone, before uttering a short sentence that came to define his muddled, morose stint.
“I thought some of the stuff we did was outstanding,” was the misjudged reply to the questioning of Sonja McLaughlan, an opinion that the ever-forthright No 8 Nick Easter almost immediately disagreed with. “My god, that was boring,” Easter remarked post-match – an assessment most felt rather more correct. Borthwick lasted just two more matches before a knee injury ended his Six Nations; that July, while the lock was on his honeymoon in Bali, a call from Martin Johnson ended his international career entirely.
The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete performance
Gonzalo Quesada urges Italy to show their true selves
14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Gonzalo Quesada was deeply disappointed with Italy’s meek defensive surrender to France, a bright start fading dramatically as the visitors piled up the points a fortnight ago. It felt like the sort of performance that had been confined to the past under the Argentine coach, and he is expecting a reaction from his squad today.
“In the second half we struggled to defend as we wanted to,” Quesada admitted of the 73-24 loss.
“It was not just a technical or organisational problem, rather there was no respect for roles and principles. I had never seen the team lost, trying to solve things individually, without a collective organisation.
“Now we will have to assess whether it (France defeat) was an accident for a team that has been together for just over a year, and whether we will be able to resume a linear path and show who we really are.”
How England hope to unlock their attacking game — by dropping Marcus Smith
14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It is a selection that has caused a stir, so why has Steve Borthwick left Marcus Smith on the bench?
How England hope to unlock their attacking game — by dropping Marcus Smith
Italy team news
14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Italy are able to bring back a fit-again Monty Ioane into a remodelled back three that also includes Sidcup-born Matt Gallagher, with the former England U20 international in line for a Six Nations debut on the wing. Stephen Varney is also brought in at scrum half as Martin Page-Relo and Tommaso Allan drops out of the starting backline, while Giacomo Nicotera and Marco Riccioni join Danilo Fischetti in the front row. Exeter’s Ross Vintcent swaps in at No 8 for Lorenzo Cannone.
Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Marco Riccioni; 4 Niccolo Cannone, 5 Federico Ruzza; 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Michele Lamaro (capt.), 8 Ross Vintcent; 9 Stephen Varney, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Matt Gallagher, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Monty Ioane; 15 Ange Capuozzo.
Replacements: 16 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Riccardo Favretto, 20 Manuel Zuliani, 21 Lorenzo Cannone; 22 Martin Page-Relo, 23 Tommaso Allan.
England team news
14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Steve Borthwick has made significant tweaks to the England backline, with Marcus Smith dropped to the bench and Henry Slade axed entirely. Elliot Daly is brought in at full-back, making his first start at the position in Test rugby for four years, while Fraser Dingwall partners Ollie Lawrence in the centres. On the occasion of his 100th cap, Jamie George is elevated to the starting side as Luke Cowan-Dickie fulfils the bench hooker role that the former captain has played well over the last two weeks.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge; 2 Jamie George, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Elliot Daly.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
Honest Jamie George opens up on losing England captaincy: ‘I felt like I had a lot more to give’
13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was the very start of an England career that, on Sunday afternoon, will reach a special milestone which underscores the value of patience and resilience to Jamie George. The front rower will raise his bat against Italy as he wins cap No 100, in doing so becoming the first male English hooker to compile a century as the heart and soul of his side.
Honest Jamie George reflects on losing England captaincy: ‘I had more to give’
England vs Italy talking points: Azzurri seek a reaction
13:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Italy have never beaten England in 31 previous meetings and their 73-24 rout by France in round three suggests a seismic upset will be beyond them on this occasion. Head coach Gonzalo Quesada is looking for a reaction after the high of beating Wales in round two was immediately diffused by a rampant Les Bleus and has made six changes to shake things up, including Ange Capuozzo moving from wing to full-back and Stephen Varney’s return at scrum-half. The quality centre pairing of Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex remains, however, and will continue to present Italy’s greatest threat.
England vs Italy talking points: More needed from Borthwick’s men
13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England have been propelled into title contention by dispatching France and Scotland, finally discovering the ability to close out tight games after a year of near-misses, but they will be demanding more from themselves over the final two rounds. They have failed to convince in any of this year’s outings and must show against the tournament’s two weakest opponents over the next two weekends that they have more in the locker than graft and a willingness to fight until the final whistle.
England vs Italy talking points: 100 not out
13:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There will be few more popular Test centurions than Jamie George – and few more durable either. George becomes the seventh England player to win 100 caps and, apart from the statistic that matters most today, an array of other numbers illustrate his standing in the game. George is the most successful line-out thrower in Six Nations history with a 91.8 percent success rate and, since making his debut in 2015, he has been in action more than any other top-tier hooker, with his 4,817 minutes eclipsing his closest rival, Argentina’s Julian Montoya, by 539 minutes. He is fourth in the try-scoring list for hookers, has made more tackles than any of his rivals and has gained the fourth highest amount of metres. It is a mighty contribution and he deserves his moment in the spotlight.
England vs Italy talking points: Oh when the Saints…
12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fraser Dingwall’s return has lifted the number of Northampton players in England’s backline to five – a total that might have risen further had George Furbank been fit. The under-performing Henry Slade has been removed from the midfield in the hope that the familiarity between Dingwall and half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith, as well as wings Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme, will provide the creative spark that was missing against France and Scotland.
England vs Italy talking points: Smith the sub supercharger
12:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“I’m looking forward to unleashing him when there’s a bit of fatigue on the pitch” were the words head coach Steve Borthwick used to sugar coat Marcus Smith’s removal from the starting XV, but there is no masking the Harlequins playmaker’s fall from grace. From starting fly-half for eight successive Tests and linchpin of the team, then shunted to full-back and now on the bench, Smith’s stock has fallen sharply. A place on the British and Irish Lions tour is in danger of slipping away and he must demonstrate against Italy why he would still be an asset against Australia this summer.
Sub role for Smith and George joins 100 club – England v Italy talking points
Maro Itoje hits back at Will Carling over criticism of England coaches
12:20 , Ciara Fearn
England captain Maro Itoje has pushed back against former skipper Will Carling’s claims that Steve Borthwick’s coaching team lacks the experience needed to take the national side to the next level.
Carling recently questioned whether England had assembled the “best” coaching set-up, suggesting that a lack of top-tier experience might be limiting the teams potential.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday, the former centre said: “You look at the calibre of the England coaching team and you have got to question whether that’s the best we can put out there.
“Some of them are learning, some of them are very young and maybe lack the experience at Test level. Maybe that’s what we’re seeing impact on the players.”
However, Itoje firmly disagreed with Carling’s statement, praising the work ethic and impact of Borthwick and his staff.
Maro Itoje hits back at Will Carling over criticism of England coaches
Ellis Genge hits back at England’s ‘out of touch’ critics
12:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Back to today’s proceedings. England, it seems, were rather unhappy with the tone of some of the reaction to their narrow Calcutta Cup win, with Ellis Genge voicing his displeasure at the criticism in strong terms during their fallow week camp in York…
Ellis Genge hits back at England’s ‘out of touch’ critics
Six Nations title permutations
12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How does all of yesterday’s action leave the Six Nations table and title race? Here are the permutations you need to know:
Six Nations title permutations: What France, Ireland and England need to win trophy
Finn Russell warns Scotland not to switch off after Wales threaten late comeback
11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Finn Russell admitted Scotland need to sharpen up after their late drop-off took the shine off a five-try 35-29 Guinness Six Nations win over struggling Wales at Murrayfield.
The Scots were well on top for an hour as they romped into a commanding 35-8 lead with doubles from Tom Jordan and Blair Kinghorn as well as a score from Darcy Graham.
But Wales, who had countered through Blair Murray in the first half, were able to salvage two losing bonus points as they scored three further tries in the final quarter through Ben Thomas, Teddy Williams and Max Llewellyn to deflate the hosts.
Finn Russell warns Scotland not to switch off after Wales threaten late comeback
Scotland survive furious fightback as long Welsh losing run goes on
11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Things weren’t much less hectic in Edinburgh, with Scotland for a second year in succession extending a huge advantage against Wales before threatening to let it slip. The hosts, just about, clung on:
Scotland survive furious fightback as long Welsh losing run goes on
Fabien Galthie demands answers after Antoine Dupont suffers ‘serious’ injury against Ireland
11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Victory came at a cost for France, though, with Antoine Dupont seemingly suffering a serious knee injury – and coach Fabien Galthie was not at all happy…
Fabien Galthie demands answers after Antoine Dupont suffers ‘serious’ injury
France dismantle Ireland as Six Nations title race takes dramatic twist
10:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And we begin in Dublin, where France produced a simply superb performance amid adversity to transform the Six Nations title picture
France dismantle Ireland as Six Nations title race takes dramatic twist
Yesterday’s action…
10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, plenty more build-up to come as we work towards this afternoon kick off. But let’s take a look back at yesterday’s action – and there’s plenty to dig into…
Honest Jamie George opens up on losing England captaincy: ‘I felt like I had a lot more to give’
10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was the very start of an England career that will this afternoon reach a special milestone which underscores the value of patience and resilience to Jamie George. The front rower will raise his bat against Italy as he wins cap No 100, in doing so becoming the first male English hooker to compile a century as the heart and soul of his side.
Honest Jamie George reflects on losing England captaincy: ‘I had more to give’
Ben Youngs: ‘Against France and Scotland it was just about winning – but England need to find a better balance’
10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ben Youngs knows what it is like to be stuck in the stocks, pilloried by the public for the problems of a ponderous England side. On his way to a record tally of 127 caps, the former scrum-half had plenty of rotten vegetables thrown in his direction; now, a year and a bit on from concluding his international career, it’s Youngs tossing the tomatoes.
The 35-year-old may still be charging around in a Leicester shirt but increasingly his input is being felt more keenly off the field; a shrewd scrum-half emerging as a considered, but often cutting, critic. Co-hosting the For the Love of Rugby podcast with close colleague Dan Cole offers the pair a platform to dig into the depth and detail of England’s performances. And while Youngs is happy to see good chums winning again and is encouraged by the potential of the squad, he has a few concerns over the direction of Steve Borthwick’s side.
Ben Youngs pinpoints where ‘disjointed’ England must improve against Italy
The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete Six Nations performance
10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is a famous television interview that came to stand as a signature memory of Steve Borthwick’s oft-maligned tenure as England captain. It was February 2010 at the Stadio Flaminio and England had endured a dreadful day, barely squeaking by a limited Italian side. Off the skipper came to face the BBC microphone, before uttering a short sentence that came to define his muddled, morose stint.
“I thought some of the stuff we did was outstanding,” was the misjudged reply to the questioning of Sonja McLaughlan, an opinion that the ever-forthright No 8 Nick Easter almost immediately disagreed with. “My god, that was boring,” Easter remarked post-match – an assessment most felt rather more correct. Borthwick lasted just two more matches before a knee injury ended his Six Nations; that July, while the lock was on his honeymoon in Bali, a call from Martin Johnson ended his international career entirely.
The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete performance
England vs Italy LIVE
Saturday 8 March 2025 07:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of the final fixture of this penultimate Six Nations weekend. Italy are at Twickenham seeking a first ever win over the hosts, with England hoping to finally produce a complete performance after squeaking past both France and Scotland.
Kick off at the Allianz Stadium is at 3pm.
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