"Marcus Smith dropped" - Owen Farrell will start for England at fly-half

byRugby Rucker

England's head coach Steve Borthwick is expected to make changes to his lineup for the match against Italy on Sunday, with Marcus Smith being relegated to a backup role. Captain Owen Farrell is expected to move to the fly-half position at Twickenham.

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The lineup will be announced on Friday afternoon, and sources have indicated that there may be a shake-up in the midfield. This is in response to England's recent defeat against Scotland and their efforts to bounce back.

According to reports from the Mail Online, Henry Slade is set to make a return to the starting lineup as one of the centers, after recovering from a hip injury. He is likely to be paired with Ollie Lawrence, who has been impressing for Bath since joining the team last year.

Check out the full 'expected XV' below.

England vs Italy date, kick-off time and stadium

England vs Italy brings a close to the second weekend of Six Nations action, after Ireland vs France and Scotland vs Wales on Saturday.

The match is due to begin at 3pm GMT on Sunday February 12, taking place at Twickenham Stadium in south-west London.

How to watch England vs Italy

TV channel: England vs Italy is being broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1 in the UK, with coverage beginning at 2.15pm.

ENGLAND XV (possible):

15. Freddie Steward

Freddie Steward of England leaps the tackle from Sione Tuipulotu of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

14. Max Malins

13. Henry Slade

12. Ollie Lawrence

11. Ollie Hassell-Collins

10. Owen Farrell (capt)

Owen Farrell, Captain of England kicking during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

9. Jack Van Poortvliet

1. Ellis Genge

2. Jamie George

3. Kyle Sinckler

4. Maro Itoje

Maro Itoje of England during the England Captains Run ahead of the Guinness Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Friday 3rd February 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

5. Ollie Chessum

6. Lewis Ludlam

7, Jack Willis.

8. Alex Dombrandt

Alex Dombrandt of England is tackled by Grant Gilchrist of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

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