England receive injury boost ahead of Italy clash

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a 35-man squad to assemble at Pennyhill Park as preparations continue for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham.

The team has received a significant boost, with several key players returning from injury ahead of the Round Four encounter.

Among those cleared to play are back-row forwards Ben Earl, Tom Curry, and Tom Willis, alongside centre Ollie Lawrence. Their return strengthens England’s squad as they look to build momentum in the latter stages of the tournament.

Former captain Jamie George is also included in the squad and is on track to win his 100th England cap if he features against Italy.

The experienced hooker’s leadership and consistency have been invaluable to the team, and his milestone appearance will be a special occasion for both him and the squad.

Adding further depth to the training camp, Northampton flanker Henry Pollock has been included. The Under-20 World Cup winner is regarded as one of England’s brightest young talents and will benefit from the experience of training with the senior squad.

England squad:

Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Ted Hill (Bath), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Curtis Langdon (Northampton Saints), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Will Stuart (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).

Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers).