Steve Borthwick is poised to overhaul England’s backline for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Italy, with Fin Smith set to start at fly-half in Rome.
After a heavy 42-21 defeat by Ireland, England’s head coach appears ready to reshuffle every position behind the scrum. Injuries and tactical tweaks mean not one backline spot could be occupied by the same player who started the previous match.
Northampton’s Smith is in line to replace George Ford at 10, despite Ford having reclaimed the role last summer. At inside centre, Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson is tipped to start, while Ollie Lawrence’s knee injury opens the door for Tommy Freeman to shift from the wing into the midfield.
That change would allow Tom Roebuck to return to the starting XV, with Cadan Murley expected to feature on the opposite flank in place of Henry Arundell.
Selection Shake-Up
At full-back, George Furbank had been considered, but Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly are now reportedly competing to replace Freddie Steward. The Leicester man was withdrawn at half-time against Ireland as England slipped out of contention.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell’s injury further complicates matters, with Ben Spencer understood to be in line to start. Former England scrum-half Danny Care believes Daly’s experience could prove decisive in a high-pressure encounter.
“He’s got a big left boot and a great aerial game,” Care said. “He’s been there and done it before in the biggest of Test matches.”
Care also praised Spencer’s composure and tactical control, highlighting his kicking ability as a key asset in relieving pressure and managing momentum.
High Stakes in Rome
England remain the only Six Nations side Italy have never beaten, but the Azzurri arrive full of belief after three encouraging performances in this year’s competition. Unlike England, they boast a settled backline featuring Tommaso Menoncello and Ignacio Brex, the latter expected to return.
For Borthwick’s side, the stakes are significant. Defeat in Rome would leave England travelling to face leaders France in the final round needing a major upset to avoid finishing with just one win — a return that would mark their poorest Six Nations campaign since the tournament expanded 25 years ago.
The selection gamble signals urgency. Whether the revamped backline can deliver the spark England desperately need will be answered under the pressure of Rome on Saturday.
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