England expect Jamie George to be available to play Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland after concussion.
Saracens hooker George is among 29 players retained by England for their Six Nations opener at Twickenham, with the 32-year-old progressing well through his return-to-play protocols.
George was removed from play in Saracens’ 20-14 Champions Cup defeat at Edinburgh on January 22, but is now expected to complete his 12-day return in time to face Scotland.
Sale lock Jonny Hill and Toulouse flanker Jack Willis have been released by England though, and will not feature in Steve Borthwick’s first Test match in charge of England.
“Jamie George is working through the protocols and we expect him to be available for selection,” said defence coach Kevin Sinfield.
“He’s thrown today, and it’s a gradual build-up through the protocols, so at the minute he’s on track to be available.
“Jamie is very much a leader in the group. To have his influence here in the week has been really good for the team.
“He’s been around, knows how to win big games and that’s important for us.”
Former Exeter lock Hill played in all four of England’s November series Tests, but notably struggled in the 27-13 defeat by South Africa that closed the autumn schedule.
The 28-year-old’s omission from England’s tighter squad to prepare for Scotland leaves Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe, David Ribbans and Ollie Chessum competing to start at lock.
Willis has proved the fall guy of his limited availability by virtue of playing in France – a scenario that has only materialised after Wasps fell into administration.
He sat out England’s training session on Monday after a late Sunday night club match with Toulouse, leaving Sinfield lamenting the 26-year-old’s individual situation.
Asked if Willis has had a raw deal, Sinfield replied: “That is for people higher than me to decide.
“What I will say is what a wonderful talent he is, he is desperate to play for England.
“I know his situation is tricky at the moment. Hopefully for the next seven or eight weeks we have more opportunity to have him in camp. Then we’ll see.”
England have also released props Bevan Rodd, Joe Heyes, scrum-half Alex Mitchell, Harlequins wing Cadan Murley and Leicester centre Guy Porter.
England squad to face Scotland
Forwards: O Chessum, D Cole (both Leicester), B Curry (Sale), A Dombrandt (Harlequins), T Dunn (Bath), E Genge (Bristol), J George, N Isiekwe, M Itoje (all Saracens), L Ludlam, D Ribbans (both Northampton), S Simmonds (Exeter), K Sinckler (Bristol), M Vunipola (Saracens), J Walker (Harlequins).
Backs: O Farrell (Saracens), T Freeman (Northampton), O Hassell-Collins (London Irish), O Lawrence (Bath), M Malins (Saracens), J Marchant (Harlequins), F Smith (Northampton), M Smith (Harlequins), F Steward (Leicester), M Tuilagi (Sale), J Van Poortvliet, A Watson, B Youngs (all Leicester).
