Steve Borthwick names three contenders to replace Owen Farrell as captain

The new boss installed 103-cap playmaker Farrell as his captain, with Ellis Genge and Courtney Lawes as the deputies.

However, speaking today he revealed there are three players currently in his squad who could develop into future England captains.

One of the most dynamic props in England, Bristol-born Ellis Genge made his debut for his country as a replacement in a 27-13 win over Wales at Twickenham Stadium in 2016.

Three days earlier, Ellis had agreed a move to Leicester Tigers, where he had been on loan from Bristol for the final months of the 2016/17 season.

Ellis was included in the squad for England’s 2016 touring party to Australia and won the 2016/17 Land Rover Discovery of the Year award.

A former No 8, the ex-Old Redcliffians’ player, was educated at John Cabot City Technology College and led Hartpury College to two AASE Championship titles.

Ellis represented England U17, U18 and U19 before figuring in eight matches for the U20 side in 2015, including the World Rugby Championship final against New Zealand. Ellis was a regular member of England squads under Eddie Jones and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

He was named in Steve Borthwick's squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.

A Saracens academy product, Maro Itoje was a new member of the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations, and has since gone on to establish himself as a regular starter.

In 2014, Maro captained England U20 to victory at the Junior World Championship final. Two years later he made his debut against Italy as part of a remarkable run which saw him on the winning side in 26 out of 27 games for club and country. Maro made three Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions against New Zealand in 2017 and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

Born to Nigerian parents, he was schooled at St George’s, Harpenden, the same school as Owen Farrell and George Ford. His cousin is Bath front row Beno Obano.

Maro started the 2014/15 campaign on the fringe of the Saracens side but ended it as a Premiership title winner before lifting the trophy again in 2015/16.

He was named European Player of the Year in 2016. A mainstay in England squads over the past years, Itoje was named in Steve Borthwick's squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.

It’s easy to spot the towering 6ft 7in figure of Ollie Chessum on the pitch.

Chessum rapidly climbed through the ranks of Leicester’s academy before moving on to Championship club Nottingham for a brief spell.

He now finds himself playing a pivotal role in the Tigers side and the 22-year-old lock has been rewarded with a place in Steve Borthwick's squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.