- England coach Steve Borthwick has made nine changes to his team for their Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday, including an entirely new backline, following consecutive defeats by Scotland and Ireland.
- Fin Smith has been installed at fly-half, replacing George Ford, while Tommy Freeman is the sole backline player retained from the previous match, moving to outside centre.
- The new backline also features Six Nations debutant Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly at full-back, Tom Roebuck on the right wing, and Cadan Murley as a surprise inclusion on the left.
- Further changes include Ben Spencer starting at scrum-half due to Alex Mitchell's injury, and alterations in the forward pack with Jamie George at hooker and Alex Coles replacing Ollie Chessum.
- Ben Earl is set to earn his 50th cap at number eight, as England aim for a strong performance against Italy, a team they have never lost to in 32 previous encounters.
IN FULL
Steve Borthwick rips up England side to face Italy as Fin Smith starts at fly half
