Scrum-half Willi Heinz ruled out of England's Six Nations game against Italy

England will miss the services of scrum-half Willi Heinz for the upcoming Six Nations game against Italy to be played in Rome on Saturday following a leg injury.

The 33-year-old, who has 13 caps for England has a 'leg soft tissue injury' and now has been replaced by Northampton's Alex Mitchell in the squad that also has Dan Robson and Ben Youngs.

England defence coach John Mitchell confirmed the news on Heinz.

"We'll see how he recovers this week," he said.

"It's important that we get on top of it. Soft-tissue injuries can be very tricky so you can't afford to be too hasty."

The game on Saturday will also see Youngs reach the 100-Test milestone after Jason Leonard if he features in the match.

Jones is set to unveil England's matchday squad on Thursday.

The red rose team currently are at the second place in the Six Nations table with three wins from four games.