England boss Eddie Jones has revealed that Courtney Lawes has only an “outside chance” of taking on Italy in the Six Nations next Sunday.
The Northampton Saints lock. who captained the side during the Autumn Nations Series, missed the defeat to Scotland due to the after-effects of a head injury.
“We’ll need to pick the best 23 to play against Italy,” said Jones.
“Courtney at this stage has an outside chance of playing against Italy. He is progressing well.”
“There’s a lot of optimism,” he added following the defeat at Murrayfield.
"Obviously, we are disappointed by the result, let’s not get away from that. Scotland deserved to win.
"But in this situation there were three points between the teams and a number of decisions which could be debated.
"You’ve got one lucky winner and one unlucky loser. Congratulations to Scotland, they got the rub of the green, but we may get it in the next game”.
TRENDING STORIES:
- How the England XV would look under Sir Clive Woodward
- Brian O’Driscoll ranks his five toughest opponents
- 2022 Six Nations team of the week: Round 1
- 2022 Six Nations sees record 62 players swapping countries
- 6 players Eddie Jones should call up after this weekend
The likely England team to face Italy as Eddie Jones considers FIVE big changes
#BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward
- 14. Jack Nowell
for Joe Marchant
- 11. Max Malins
Marchant was horribly exposed by his opposite number in a defensive performance he'll want to forget against Scotland. It's time to bring Nowell back in from the cold following his international exile.
Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs during the Gallagher Premiership match between Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham Stoop, London on January 8th 2022. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade
- 12. Manu Tuilagi for Elliot Daly
The powerhouse made a barnstorming return to rugby for Sale at the weekend and should come straight back into the XV.
#HALFBACKS:
- 10. Marcus Smith
- 9. Raffi Quirke for Ben Youngs
Quirke did more on one break for Sale than Ben Youngs did the entire game yesterday.
#FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Ellis Genge
- 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
- 3. Kyle Sinckler
Jamie George of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje
- 5. Courtney Lawes for Nick Isiekwe
Should return to the team for Isiekwe following his return to play protocols.
Maro Itoje of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#BACK-ROW:
- 6. Lewis Ludlam
- 7. Tom Curry
- 8. Alex Dombrandt for Sam Simmonds
I'd like to see Dombrandt play if Smith continues at 10 because they have a unique, telepathic partnership. Against Scotland, Simmonds and Smith didn't seem to be on the same wavelength.
Tom Curry of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
