Bold headline: England’s bold reset aims to salvage the Six Nations as they face Italy in Rome.
England coach Steve Borthwick unleashes a radical lineup overhaul for the Six Nations clash with Italy, making nine changes to the side after consecutive defeats to Scotland and Ireland. Fin Smith will start at fly-half, his first start since the autumn, replacing George Ford, while Tommy Freeman shifts from the wing to outside center. The backline is almost entirely rebuilt, with rising star Henry Pollock benched after his Ireland appearance, and a host of fresh faces stepping in alongside a new half-back pairing and a revamped forward pack.
Key selections
- Fin Smith earns the number 10 jersey in his first start since the autumn campaign, directing a backline that has never played together in this configuration.
- Tommy Freeman moves to outside center, leaving the wing void of last match’s incumbents.
- The rest of the backline features Sam Daly (Elliot Daly) on the left and Cadan Murley at 11, with Seb Atkinson at 12 and Ben Spencer wearing the scrum-half jersey, creating a completely new combination behind the pack.
- In the pack, only Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, and Maro Itoje retain their places; Jamie George starts at hooker, with Alex Coles in the second row and Ben Earl and Tom Curry bolstering the back row.
- Bench depth includes Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Ollie Chessum, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, and Marcus Smith, offering fresh options for each phase of the game.
Captaincy and milestones
- Maro Itoje captains England for the match, while Ben Earl earns his 50th England cap, marking a milestone since his debut against Scotland in 2020. Borthwick praised Earl as a driving force and energy source within the squad.
Context and stakes
- England have dominated Italy in prior Six Nations meetings, with a 32-0 record before this match. However, Italy, under Gonzalo Quesada, have fielded their strongest squad since joining the championship in 2000, making this a critical test for England’s revamped lineup.
- The decision to overhaul the backline and pack signals a high-stakes gamble: either a tactical masterstroke that re-ignites England’s campaign or a costly misstep if results don’t follow.
Coach’s outlook
- Borthwick stresses that the team is prepared to meet Italy’s challenge at the Stadio Olimpico and is aiming for a performance level that aligns with England’s standards.
Question to readers
- Do you think a wholesale lineup rebuild in a Six Nations away game is the right move, or would a more gradual rotation preserve continuity? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Notes
- For context on the broader Six Nations 2026 schedule and standings, see the linked fixtures and table pages in the original report.
