Fin Smith starts as England make nine changes

England head coach Steve Borthwick has made nine changes to his starting XV for the Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome, with Fin Smith handed a starting role at fly-half.

Fin Smith Starts As England Revamp Backline

Fin Smith replaces George Ford at No.10 as part of a complete overhaul of the backline following successive defeats to Scotland and Ireland. Tommy Freeman is the only back retained from the previous starting side, shifting from the wing to outside centre.

Freddie Steward, Fraser Dingwall, Henry Arundell and Ford all drop out of the starting line-up, while Alex Mitchell and Ollie Lawrence miss out due to injury. Elliot Daly also returns to the starting XV as England look to reshape their attacking options at the Stadio Olimpico.

Maro Itoje Captains England In Rome

Maro Itoje will captain the side, with Ben Earl set to earn his 50th cap for England. In the forward pack, only Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes and Itoje retain their places from the previous match.

Jamie George returns at hooker, Alex Coles features in the second row, and the back row sees further adjustments as England aim to add fresh energy and physicality.

England are at fourth place in the Six Nations table having won a solitary game in the three rounds.

England XV: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge

Reserves: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith