England upbeat on Smith and Mitchell fitness before Ireland Six Nations date

Marcus Smith is recovering from a calf injury and may be fit for England’s Twickenham meeting with Ireland on 9 March. Photograph: Dan Mullan/The RFU Collection/Getty Images

England are confident Marcus Smith will be available for the game with Ireland on Saturday week as they look to salvage their Six Nations campaign. In a further boost for Steve Borthwick he could be joined by Alex Mitchell.

After England’s capitulation to Scotland on Saturday, Borthwick needs some positive news and the potential return of the half-backs he intended to start from the outset of the championship would be a timely shot in the arm.