Six Nations 2026: Steve Borthwick rings in changes as England team named for Italy showdown in Rome following Ireland defeat

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England have made nine personnel changes in a near-fully revamped team to face Italy in their latest Six Nations assignment. Steve Borthwick's side head to Rome having lost two of their three matches in the tournament so far, including a crushing home defeat to Ireland at Twickenham last time out. They sit level on points with the Italians ahead of the clash.

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Steve Borthwick has named his England team for England's crunch Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome.

The England head coach makes nine changes from the starting XV that suffered a crushing defeat to Ireland in their last outing, which dashed their hopes of lifting the trophy in Paris.

Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly have all come in to start, with the entire backline changed from that which took on Ireland.

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Spender and Smith replace Alex Mitchell and George Ford at half-back, while Atkinson partners Tommy Freeman in the centre, with the back three comprising Murley, Roebuck and Daly.

Fraser Dingwall, Freddie Steward and Henry Arundell were all dropped, while Marcus Smith is also on the bench.

Meanwhile, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has been replaced by George, while Pepper comes in at blindside. Coles has been promoted in place of Ollie Chessum, who is among the replacements.

"We're expecting a big test in Rome and it's one the players are really looking forward to," Borthwick said.

"We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we've selected a team we believe will deliver the level of performance we're striving for."

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Ben Earl is set to win his 50th England cap at No. 8 in Rome. On the feat, Borthwick said: "To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben's professionalism and the consistency of his performances.

"He's an important leader within this group, someone who drives standards and brings energy every day. It's a wonderful achievement and one he should be very proud of."

England have five points from their opening three matches in the Six Nations, the same tally as Italy, who beat Scotland in the opening week.

France are in pole position to win the championship, but face second-placed Scotland in a huge clash at Murrayfield.

England team to face Italy:

Starting XV: Elliot Daly; Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Caden Murley; Fin Smith, Ben Spencer; Elis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (capt), Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Tom Curry, Ben Earl.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Chessum, Underhill, Pollock, Van Poortvliet, M Smith.

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