England team to take on Italy in 2026 Guinness Six Nations
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England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play Italy at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 March (kick-off 4.40pm GMT, live on ITV1).
🏴 The England team to take on Italy this weekend 🌹#GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/Xdvz5Fssqy
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 3, 2026
Maro Itoje will captain a side which features nine personnel changes from the starting XV that faced Ireland in the third round of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship, with Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly all coming into the team, while Tommy Freeman moves from the wing to centre. No. 8 Ben Earl will win his 50th cap for England, having made his debut against Scotland in 2020.
“We’re expecting a big test in Rome and it’s one the players are really looking forward to,” said Borthwick. “We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we’ve selected a team we believe will deliver the level of performance we’re striving for.”
On Earl’s milestone, Borthwick added: “To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben’s professionalism and the consistency of his performances. He’s an important leader within this group, someone who drives standards and brings energy every day. It’s a wonderful achievement and one he should be very proud of.”
