Steve Borthwick Overhauls England Line-Up For Italy Clash
Steve Borthwick Overhauls England Line-Up For Italy Clash
England make nine changes for Italy in Rome as Fin Smith starts at flyhalf, Tommy Freeman shifts to centre and Ben Earl earns his 50th cap.
England coach Steve Borthwick has overhauled his back line and made nine changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome, handing the flyhalf reins to Fin Smith and shifting Tommy Freeman to outside centre.
- More Information On Top 14 Rugby
- FloRugby's Professional Club Power Rankings: Feb. 25, 2026
- See What's Streaming On FloRugby
England arrive at the Stadio Olimpico under pressure. Consecutive defeats to Scotland, 31 - 20, and Ireland, 42 - 21, halted a 12 match winning run and left Borthwick’s side fourth in the Six Nations standings, effectively out of title contention. Italy, winless in 32 previous meetings with England, will sense opportunity given home advantage and an England line up that has been heavily reshaped.
The back line bears little resemblance to the one that started against Ireland. Freeman is the only survivor from that unit, moving from wing to outside centre in a bid to add directness and defensive edge in midfield. Smith replaces George Ford at flyhalf, while Ben Spencer comes in at scrumhalf for the injured Alex Mitchell, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Ollie Lawrence is also unavailable with a knee injury.
@florugbytv The Vision 👀 The Finish 🎯 @officialulsterrugbysure do play some exciting rugby 🏉 #BKTURC #ulsterrugby ♬ original sound - FloRugby
At fullback, Elliot Daly is preferred to Freddie Steward, while Cadan Murley and Tom Roebuck complete a new look back three. Seb Atkinson is named at inside centre, adding further change to a combination that struggled for cohesion in recent weeks.
“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,” Borthwick said.
The scale of change suggests more than simple injury cover. Several established names, including Steward and Fraser Dingwall, have been omitted after a campaign that has lacked fluency in attack and consistency in defence. England’s ambition coming into the championship was to contend for the title. Instead, they are attempting to reset with two rounds remaining.
Up front, captain Maro Itoje continues in the second row alongside Alex Coles, one of three pack changes from the Ireland match. Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes retain their places as props, with Jamie George returning at hooker. In the back row, Ben Earl will win his 50th cap at number eight, flanked by Tom Curry and Guy Pepper.
“To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben’s professionalism and the consistency of his performances,” Borthwick said. “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.”
Earl made his debut against Scotland in 2020 and has become a central figure in England’s forward pack, valued for his work rate and ability to link play in the wider channels.
On the bench, Luke Cowan Dickie, Bevan Rodd and Trevor Davison provide front row cover, with Ollie Chessum and Sam Underhill among the forward reinforcements. Henry Pollock, who made his first Test start against Ireland, reverts to a replacement role. Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith offer back line options.
England Team To Face Italy
15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Maro Itoje captain, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby is also home to match archives and match replays.