England team to play Italy confirmed: George Ford dropped

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

Maro Itoje will captain a side which features nine personnel changes from the starting XV that lost 42-21 at home against Ireland in the third round of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship.

Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly all come into the team, while Tommy Freeman moves from the wing to centre.

No. 8 Ben Earl will win his 50th cap for England, having made his debut against Scotland in 2020. The Saracen replaces Henry Pollock, who made his first Test start against Ireland just over a week ago, and is dropped back down to the bench as one of 12 total changes to the squad.

“We’re expecting a big test in Rome and it’s one the players are really looking forward to,” said Borthwick.

“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.”

On Earl’s milestone, Borthwick added:

“To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben’s professionalism and the consistency of his performances. 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.”

[elementor-template id="208937"]

2025: England 47-24 Italy

2024: Italy 24-27 England

2023: England 31-14 Italy

2022: Italy 0-33 England

2021: England 41-18 Italy

Saturday 7 March 2026

Stadio Olimpico

Kick-off: 4.40pm GMT

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 74 caps)

14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 10 caps)

13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 25 caps)

12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 2 caps)

11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 4 caps)

10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)

9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 78 caps) – vice-captain

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 108 caps) – vice-captain

3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 100 caps) – captain

5. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)

6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 68 caps)

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 49 caps)

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)

17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 13 caps)

18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)

19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 33 caps)

20. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 48 caps)

21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)

22. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)

23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 48 caps)

In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.

Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.

Surnames only will be accepted.