Likely England team to play Italy as Steve Borthwick promises changes

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The 'Azzurri' have proven to their Six Nations critics that they should not be taken lightly. An unexpected and impressive outing against reigning Six Nations Champions France, saw Italy take 'Les Bleus' to the wire, in a hotly contested match. Securing a losing bonus point, with a 24-29 narrow defeat, Italy will be looking to write the wrongs at Twickenham, and pick up their first win of the competition.

So, lets move on from England's opening weekend, and look to this Sunday. This is who Steve Borthwick should select for England' round two Six Nations clash, with Italy.

Max Malins is nailed on to the number 14 shirt, and should again start for Borthwick against Italy. Scoring twice against Scotland, Malins' presented himself as a versatile winger, able to finish off attacking moves out wide, or use his power on moves back in-field. His diving catch for Marcus Smith's cross-field-kick was demonstrated great skill to execute.

Freddie Steward again impressed at full-back, and Borthwick is unlikely to drop his Leicester Tigers player. Showcasing great power in the collision, Steward's highlights of the Scotland match were mostly ball carrying breaks. Ollie Hassell-Collins did impress on his England debut, yet a proven international try-scorer is required to settle the nerves against Italy. With Anthony Watson is back to full match fitness, Borthwick should call up the winger, who's experience can help guide England to their first victory of the championship.

Once again keep Owen Farrell outside of Marcus Smith, as the two have to be on the pitch at the same time. Farrell is versatile, and has proven that he can slot into the centres with ease. Farrell was aggressive in the middle of the park against Scotland, and was able to allow Smith to take the lead. The power struggle has settled, with Farrell's tackling, ball distribution and running lines benefiting the England centre-field.

Partnering Farrell should be Bath's Ollie Lawrence. On the bench against Scotland, England need Lawrence to start from the first minute. Currently, Lawrence is England's top choice for a bruising, ball-carrying outside centre, with Tuilagi not at his best. Joe Marchant was not firing on all cylinders against Scotland, as Duhan van der Merwe brushed passed his tackle attempts to score.

Half Backs

Keep Smith at Fly Half, and enable him to play with the same open freedom that he did against Scotland. Nic Evans' presence in the England camp has benefitted Smith, who is presenting the same free-flowing attack that he brings to Harlequins.

The veteran scrum half should start against Italy, and utilise his experience to establish a healthy lead for England. After defeat to Scotland in the opening round, England heads may drop If Italy present the same unexpected fire, and take the lead like they did against France. Youngs would be able to re-assure his teammates, to keep his side relaxed and playing their phases. Bring on Jack Van Poortvliet at the hour mark, for a dynamic impact to put the game out of sight.

Ellis Genge stepped up to his newly appointed co-captain role, and was remarkable against Scotland. Making 17 carries for England, with one of them being a Bristol Bears inspired try, as he linked up with Kyle Sinkler in the lead up to score. Keep the front row as Genge, George and Sinkler, and England will have a reliable and proven trio who should get the better of the Italian scrum.

Now Jamie George has returned from his concussion, and has the Scotland game under his belt. He needed to ease his way back in for the international standard, and will be upmost prepared for Italy. England should bring the youthful fire to the bench, with Jamie Blamire, Tom Dunn and Bevan Rodd as impact replacements. Dan Cole should sit this one out, and use his veteran experience in the upcoming games.

After a disappointing performance against Scotland, Borthwick should drop Maro Itoje to the bench for the match against Italy. Recalling Jonny Hill back to Pennyhill Park this week, would be Borthwick's best bet to have a water-tight second row, partnering up alongside the ever-impressing Ollie Chessum.

Itoje seemed to have lost some of his acclaimed fire, and was extinguished by Scotland at the breakdown. The Saracen may just need a drop to the bench, to instil the fight back into him. When the 28-year-old is playing his best, he is near unplayable. We saw glimpses of this in Itoje's line-out disruption against Scotland, but he was far from the complete Itoje England fans are used to.

Ludlam was a workhorse for England against Scotland, and is exactly what Borthwick is looking for in the absence of Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry. The flanker tackled excellently, and was not afraid to carry the ball into collisions. However, Ludlam's back row partners should change, after Ben Curry and Alex Dombrandt were not up to the mark in the Calcutta Cup.

Ben Curry's missed tackles were a weakness in the English defence. Rushing out the line, Curry was evaded by Ben White, who then stepped passed Dombrandt to score. The Harlequins number eight was also comfortably fended by Duhan van der Merwe, after the winger had already beaten five defenders, to score that outstanding solo try. Ben Earl and Sam Simmonds need to be called up. Earl's no-nonsense mentality and fearless tackling stood out in his substitute appearance. Borthwick should call upon Simmonds, with the Exeter Chiefs back rower ready to impress with hard carries and explosive pace.