England meets Italy: Our writers pick their 23’s for the Six Nations clash – and you can pick yours

Steve Borthwick giving instructions to his England players during training – David Rogers/Getty Images

Henry Arundell is looking to celebrate his England comeback in Sunday’s Six Nations tie against Italy after playing a full role in Tuesday’s training session.

Arundell could be part of a newly formed back three that could also include Anthony Watson making his first start since the 2021 Championship after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Head coach Steve Borthwick will want to have the explosive 20-year-old’s X-Factor back as soon as possible, even though all three of his caps have come as substitutes and he has yet to learn the nuances of defence.

In the Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland that opened England’s Six Nations season, Max Malins and Ollie Hassell-Collins were the wings with Freddie Steward at full-back, but Borthwick could use the game against Italy to try different combinations.

With that in mind, we asked a team of rugby writers to pick who they would like to see play Italy at Twickenham. And you can also choose your favorite team…

Gavin Mairs

Jack Willis would have started against Scotland if he hadn’t arrived late due to his Toulouse commitments and can expect a quick return to the back row. Alex Dombrandt had an error-strewn game but there were hints of the danger of carrying him, which will be crucial given the absence of a heavyweight midfielder. Henry Slade’s return there will bring a left-footed option, experience and a touch more physicality. Anthony Watson is also said to be promoted after more playing time after his injury.

Charlie Morgan

This is undeniably tough on Joe Marchant and Ollie Hassell-Collins, especially considering England’s attack was fired pretty well. Ben Curry was also busy against Scotland but Jack Willis was due to return and start on the open side in the only change in the pack. I switched to Alex Dombrandt, but I’m keeping him. Willis is a decent porter in close interrelationships, as is Ollie Lawrence.

That brings us to the backline. Keeping the same players would encourage cohesion – and hopefully eliminate the defensive mistakes that let Scotland in – but getting Owen Farrell back on the fly-half seems important. Max Malins is there as an additional playmaker. Henry Slade and Lawrence have also teamed up before. Anthony Watson is promoted, brings pace and experience, and on the bench it’s all about speed – despite Dan Cole as a scrumming security blanket. Bevan Rodd is promoted over Mako Vunipola and Alex Mitchell usurps Ben Youngs while Henry Arundell returns to the 23 shirt.

Tom Cary

It’s time to accept that at 10 it’s either Owen Farrell or Marcus Smith. It’s a very difficult decision as without Farrell on the pitch you lose the lead a bit but Smith is the future. Henry Arundell is a gun. He comes straight at me. Not an easy task for the right combination in midfield. Back row is also difficult. Ollie Chessum deserves to keep his spot.

Karl Richardson

After the yo-yo, troubled days of Eddie Jones, this team is longing for cohesion. The backbone has to remain, but there were fundamental problems against Scotland that can only be remedied by a change of personnel.

The backline needs less thinking and more thrust. Pair up two centers who are both ball threats on an individual level and suddenly there can be space elsewhere for the promising back three to thrive. Marcus Smith still has a big role to play off the bench.

England’s back row struggled to break through against Scotland and both Ben Curry and Alex Dombrandt were guilty of missing out on high-profile tackles. Jack Willis is England’s preeminent openside so earning the seed would only be a reward for him. In 8th place, Sam Simmonds should get a chance to try and create more momentum for England. Jamie George was quiet against Scotland and with England’s low hooker stocks, this is the match that will give Jack Walker his first taste of international rugby. And Henry Arundell goes back to 23, but only after playing more than 30 minutes for his club.

Fiona Tomas

Someone needs to hold Steve Borthwick’s hand and gently tell him it’s time to break Smith and Farrell’s partnership. The Saracen playmaker needs to be able to develop from his natural position. Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence form a newly formed midfield and Max Malins retains his place on the wing after his two-try performance against Scotland. Henry Arundell might be a little undercooked, but don’t bet against those monstrous quad muscles that deliver off-the-bench firepower.

Dan Cole has shown all season that there is still life in the old dog and his expertise will be invaluable against an emboldened Italian pack who will try to fight their way through the park. Jonny Hill benched Maro Itoje and in Jack Willis, England, the complete glitch operator.

Say with …

Our writers have named their 23s, now it’s your turn. Take your pick from Steve Borthwick’s latest 36-man squad and use our team builder below to pick a starting XV you’d like to see against the Italians:

Source