England retain Smith combination for Calcutta Cup showdown

Head coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed that Fin Smith will continue in the fly-half position, with Marcus Smith remaining at full-back, for England's upcoming Six Nations match against Scotland.

This decision follows their successful partnership in the recent 26-25 victory over France, where Fin Smith's performance was instrumental in securing the win.

The only change to the starting lineup is the inclusion of Ollie Chessum in the second row, replacing George Martin, who has been managing a knee issue and will start on the bench.

Chessum's return marks his first start since last year's Six Nations, having overcome shoulder and knee injuries that sidelined him during the summer tour and autumn series.

The forward pack features vice-captain Ellis Genge at loosehead prop, Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker, and Will Stuart at tighthead prop.

Captain Maro Itoje partners with Chessum in the second row. The back row comprises Tom Curry on the blindside flank, Ben Earl on the openside, and Tom Willis at number eight.

In the backline, Alex Mitchell retains his position at scrum-half, pairing with Fin Smith. The centre partnership of Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence remains unchanged, while Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme occupy the wings, with Marcus Smith anchoring the back three from full-back.

The bench includes experienced players such as vice-captain Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, George Martin, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Harry Randall, and Elliot Daly, providing a balanced mix of forward power and backline versatility.

Borthwick expressed confidence in the selected squad, emphasizing the importance of continuity and cohesion.

"We are looking forward to what will be another challenging and exciting match against Scotland," he stated.

"The Calcutta Cup is a special fixture, and we are determined to perform to our very best in front of our supporters at Allianz Stadium."

England enter the Calcutta Cup clash with renewed momentum following their narrow victory over France, a result that ended a seven-match losing streak against Tier 1 opposition.

However, they face a formidable Scotland side that has secured four consecutive wins over England in the Calcutta Cup, including two victories at Twickenham.

England's last home victory against Scotland in the Calcutta Cup was in 2017, with subsequent encounters resulting in a draw in 2019 and losses in 2021 and 2023.

England XV: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis.

Reserves: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 George Martin, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry, 22 Harry Randall, 23 Elliot Daly.