Courtney Lawes to miss England's Six Nations game against Italy

England will continue to miss the services of Northampton Saints lock Courtney Lawes for the second round Six Nations game against Italy as he is yet to recover from a concussion.

Lawes, who was expected to lead the side with regular captain Owen Farrell ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury is recovering from a concussion that he sustained during Northampton's game against Ulster in January and had already missed the opening game of the tournament against Scotland which Eddie Jones' side went on to lose 20-17.

Tom Curry, who captained England in last weekend's game will continue to lead the side as they look for their first win of the competition.

“Courtney Lawes is unavailable for selection as he continues working through his return to play protocols,” a Rugby Football Union statement read.

Northampton’s George Furbank, Wasps' Joe Launchbury and centre Mark Atkinson are also released as Jones had confirmed a 27-member squad.

England's 27-man squad:

Forwards: Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe, Joe Marler, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart

Backs: Elliot Daly, George Ford, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Jack Nowell, Adam Radwan, Harry Randall, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs