Alex Mitchell returns for England's Six Nations opener

England’s Six Nations campaign received a significant boost as first-choice scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been declared fit for the opening match against Ireland in Dublin.

Mitchell, who suffered a knee injury during Northampton’s clash with Munster on January 18, has rejoined the squad, offering head coach Steve Borthwick a key option in the pivotal number nine role.

Mitchell replaces uncapped Northampton team-mate Henry Pollock in England’s 36-man squad, which is currently training in Girona to prepare for the Aviva Stadium showdown.

His inclusion paves the way for his first international appearance since July, when he last featured against New Zealand. A neck injury had ruled him out of the entire autumn series.

Mitchell’s absence was felt acutely in November, as England struggled with defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

None of the alternative scrum-halves – Ben Spencer, Harry Randall, or Jack van Poortvliet – managed to fill the void convincingly. With Van Poortvliet sidelined through injury, Mitchell’s return brings much-needed stability and experience to the position.

Mitchell is expected to partner with Marcus Smith at half-back. Smith, England’s most inventive player during the autumn series, will likely reprise his role at fly-half, tasked with unlocking the backline and orchestrating attacking opportunities. Fin Smith, Smith’s chief rival for the jersey, is expected to provide cover from the bench.

The backline will be anchored by Freddie Steward at full-back, stepping in for George Furbank, who is sidelined with a fractured arm.

Saturday’s clash will also mark the first time England is led by Maro Itoje, who replaces Jamie George as captain.

England’s team announcement on Thursday will confirm whether Mitchell takes the number nine jersey, but his return already provides much-needed optimism ahead of the Dublin showdown.