Eddie Jones has named his side for England’s NatWest 6 Nations game against Italy in Rome on Sunday (kick-off 3pm, live on ITV).
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) captains an experienced side with 689 caps across the starting XV in what will be his 90th Test for England.
Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors) will partner Owen Farrell (Saracens) in the centres after nearly a year’s absence from the England side.
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs) starts at number eight for his fourth cap while fellow club mate Alec Hepburn could make his England debut having been named as a finisher.
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) will start his 56th Test match overtaking Matt Dawson’s record of most starts for an England halfback while Danny Care (Harlequins) will equal Dawson for most caps as scrum half (77) if the finisher plays a role in the match.
#ITAvENG | Your England squad for Sunday’s clash against Italy in Rome 🌹
Preview ➡ https://t.co/YGPdUmlF4h#CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/Fls3ffCDEp
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 2, 2018
“I have selected the strongest available side to play Italy this weekend and the players are excited to play in Rome,” said Jones.
“Our preparation over the last two weeks has been excellent and the players feel refreshed. We want to start the tournament well and are ready to go hunting against Italy.
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“We know we need to get our set piece right, be defensively strong and play with aggression and plenty of energy.”
“England are looking to make history by defending their NatWest 6 Nations title for a third consecutive year.”