England make eight changes for Italy game

England head coach Eddie Jones has made eight changes to the starting line up for the second round of the Six Nations game against Italy.

Joe Marchant will start at outside centre for England with Jack Nowell starting at left wing and Elliot Daly drops to the bench after failing to create an impact against Scotland on his return from an injury.

Max Malins and Freddie Steward have retained their positions at right wing and fullback respectively while Marcus Smith takes the kicking responsibility.

Harry Randall, who has been capped two times for England replaces Ben Youngs at scrum half with the latter joining the replacements. Youngs could become the joint most-capped England men’s player of all time.

Tom Curry will continue to lead the side in the absence of Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell with no changes in the back row. Charlie Ewels and Nick Isiekwe are retained at second row while Bath prop Will Stuart will start as Kyle Sinckler is demoted to the bench.

“We’ve set ourselves the target of playing really well and lighting up Rome,” said head coach Jones.

“We’ve made some changes and this is the best side to face Italy. We want to start fast and take the game to them.

“They can be a dangerous team and have some very good players in the likes of Garbisi, Negri and Lamaro.

“It’s been a difficult week, but the players have bounced back well, trained hard and are ready to put on a good performance on Sunday.”

England are positioned fourth in the Six Nations table following a 20-17 defeat to Scotland in the opening round.

England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Harry Randall, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Tom Curry (captain), 6 Maro Itoje, 5 Nick Isiekwe, 4 Charlie Ewels, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge

Reserves: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 George Ford, 23 Elliot Daly