England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his squad for the Six Nations as his team eye up the title for the first time since 2020. The 45-year-old has made eight changes compared to the squad he named ahead of England’s final Autumn Nations Series clash with Japan in November.

Steve Borthwick faces arguably the most important run of games in his tenure so far – selection is the first thing he must get right

England coach Steve Borthwick said having a captain who could last the whole match had been a factor in his decision to appoint Maro Itoje as skipper for the Six Nations in place of Jamie George. Both Saracens forwards were included in a 36-man England squad for the tournament announced on Tuesday.