Denny Solomona likely to start for England in Six Nations opener

England coach Eddie Jones is likely to hand Sale Sharks winger Denny Solomona a place in the starting XV in the Six Nations opener against Italy.

With Mike Brown still uncertain after suffering from blurred vision and has been rated “borderline” by Jones for the game against Italy, Solomona along with Anthony Watson and Jonny May were in full swing in the training camp in Portugal.

Elliot Daly, Jack Nowell and Semesa Rokoduguni are also sidelined with injuries clearing the path for Solomona to win his third cap.

Even though Solomona might face competition from Nathan Earle, from the training camp it looked that the rugby league convert is the front-runner to claim a spot in the starting line-up.

Jones is likely to have 18 players unavailable due to injuries or suspension when they take the field on 4th February. Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and James Haskell are all ruled out while Chris Robshaw is also uncertain.

Maro Itoje suffered a broken jaw and a hip injury but is expected to be fit in time for the game against Italy, putting a doubt on George Kruis' inclusion.

Kruis, who was one of the mainstays of England line-up under Jones was dropped by British and Irish Lions and the red rose side at various points last year as he struggled with a series of knee, ankle and cheekbone injuries.

“It has been a bit tough – just realising that you do have form and trying to make sure that it’s always there,” Kruis said.

“It’s definitely part of the game. The good players can come back from that and that’s exactly what I’m trying to do.

“I feel that maybe I was playing below my best. Form covers lots of things.

“I had an extended period of injury before with three or four ops in a year and that never helps the situation. I’m just excited to be back with the group and cracking on with it.”