England Men's U20 Six Nations team to face Italy

England U20 head coach, Alan Dickens, has named his team to play Italy in the second round of the U20 Six Nations Championship at Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso, on Friday 11 February (KO 19:00).

There are six changes to the starting line-up from England’s bonus point, 24-41 win against Scotland last week.

Loosehead prop, Fin Baxter, will captain the side, Emeka Ilione replaces Toby Knight at 8, while Toby Knight moves to play at openside flanker and George Hendy plays at full-back.

Making his U20s Six Nations debut is Francis Moore on the left wing.

Matty Jones, scrum-half and Jamie Benson, fly-half, come into the starting line-up for this week.

There are six changes among the replacements with Finn Theobald-Thomas at 16, Mark Dormer, 17, Will Hobson moves to 18 and Sam Edwards at 21. With Jamie Benson and George Hendy in the starting 15 this week, Louie Johnson and Ollie Dawkins are on the bench at 22 and 23.

Dickens said: “The players were pleased with the performance against Scotland, particularly their ability to take control of the second half.”

“We’ve have had another good week training and seen some new faces in camp. The level of competition within the squad is something I have been really impressed with.”

“Italy will be a strong team on home soil, but the boys are looking forward to our second away trip and getting back onto the pitch in Treviso and improving on last week’s performance.

“Last week’s game was special for the players and as a team, in that 19 lads made their U20 debuts. The performance they put in on the night demonstrates the togetherness of the players and their willingness to work hard for each other."

England Men's U20 Team

15. George Hendy (Northampton Saints, Caps 1)
14. Deago Bailey (Bristol Bears, Caps 4)
13. Tom Litchfield (Northampton Saints, Caps 3)
12. Ethan Grayson (Northampton Saints, Caps 1)
11. Francis Moore (Saracens, Caps 0)
10. Jamie Benson (Harlequins, Caps 1)
9. Matty Jones (Gloucester Rugby, Caps 1)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, Caps 2) - Captain
2. John Stewart (Bath Rugby, Caps 2)
3. Mikey Summerfield (London Irish, Caps 1)
4. Alfie Bell (Wasps, Caps 1)
5. Tom Lockett (Northampton Saints, Caps 1)
6. Alex Wardell (Saracens, Caps 1)
7. Toby Knight (Saracens, Caps 1)
8. Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers, Caps 2)

Replacements
16. Finn Theobald-Thomas (Worcester Warriors, Caps 0)
17. Mark Dormer (Newcastle, Caps 1)
18. Will Hobson (Harlequins, Caps 1)
19. Charlie Rice (Bristol Bears, Caps 1)
20. Greg Fisilau (Wasps, Caps 1)
21. Sam Edwards (Leicester Tigers, Caps 0)
22. Louie Johnson (Newcastle Falcons, Caps 1)
23. Ollie Dawkins (Wasps, Caps 1)