Star trio returns for England
England coach Eddie Jones named a new-look front row and recalled George Ford for the Six Nations game against Italy.
The reigning champion went down 11-6 to Scotland on the opening weekend of the 2021 tournament, its first defeat to its Calcutta Cup rival at Twickenham in 38 years.
As he looks for a response, Jones has selected Ford at fly-half in his starting XV, meaning captain Owen Farrell switches to inside centre for the clash with the Azzurri.
In the pack, the fit-again Mako Vunipola comes in to play opposite fellow prop Kyle Sinckler, while Luke Cowan-Dickie gets the nod at hooker ahead of Jamie George, who is on the bench.
Courtney Lawes also gets a start at flanker, joining Tom Curry and Billy Vunipola in the back row.
Ollie Lawrence – who was handed his first Six Nations start against Scotland – is absent from the 23-man squad entirely, with Henry Slade picked to play next to Farrell in midfield.
"As always, we've picked what we think is our strongest 23 to try and win the game," Jones said. "We're pleased to have Mako and Kyle back into the team and we've made some changes to our starting XV, but our finishers are just as important to our game plan. We look at the whole 80 minutes.
"We've trained very well this week, I've been very pleased with the players' attitudes and work-rate. We're hoping to put on a good performance on Saturday and kick on with our Six Nations campaign."
England team to face Italy at Twickenham:
Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Owen Farrell (captain), Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Jonny Hill, Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola
Replacements: Jamie George, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Charlie Ewels, Ben Earl, Jack Willi, Dan Robson, Max Malins.
