Six Nations 2025: Marcus Smith dropped for Italy clash as Elliot Daly and Fin Smith handed Twickenham starts

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England face Italy in their next 2025 Six Nations encounter, the penultimate clash of the series, and head coach Steve Borthwick has made a big call to omit Marcus Smith from the starting line-up. Instead, Elliot Daly has been rewarded for his form and starts at full-back, where Smith had been deployed in the last two matches.

'The team's evolving' - Borthwick, Itoje reflect on Six Nations progress

Video credit: SNTV

Marcus Smith has been dropped to the bench for England's penultimate 2025 Six Nations fixture against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who had been a mainstay at No. 10 under head coach Steve Borthwick since the 2023 World Cup, has lost his place to Fin Smith, who retains his place at fly-half.

Smith was recently deployed at full-back instead for England's Six Nations victories against France and Scotland, but this time has been omitted from the starting side entirely.

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Elliot Daly has been rewarded for his recent performances with a start at full-back.

Borthwick's selection for Sunday means Jamie George will collect his 100th cap for the national side, which the England boss described as an "incredible milestone."

"Reaching 100 caps is a wonderful achievement that reflects Jamie's talent, dedication and hard work," Borthwick said.

"He has consistently given his all while wearing an England shirt and the team couldn't be prouder."

Elsewhere, Luke Cowan-Dickie drops out of the side and onto the bench, while Henry Slade has not been included in the squad.

England, led by skipper Maro Itoje, currently sit third in the table and are four points adrift of leaders Ireland, while they trail second-place France by a point.

Last time out for Italy, the Azzurri were beaten 73-24 by France, and they are fifth in the table with one win from their opening three matches.

England squad to face Italy

Elliot Daly, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje (c), Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Tom Willis

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ted Hill, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith

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