Six Nations 2026: England team v Italy set to have sweeping changes
BBC World
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England’s rugby team is set for a major overhaul in their backline as they prepare for the crucial Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday. With injuries and role changes creating a completely new-look attacking unit, head coach Steve Borthwick is making bold decisions to turn around England's campaign following their defeat by Ireland. The reshuffle sees several key players stepping into unfamiliar roles, including Northampton’s Fin Smith at fly-half and Gloucester's Seb Atkinson as the new inside centre. These changes highlight England's need for fresh strategies after a disappointing performance against Ireland.
Key shifts include Tommy Freeman moving from wing to midfield, allowing Tom Roebuck to return to the starting lineup. On the wings, Cadan Murley is tipped to replace Henry Arundell, while George Furbank’s expected full-back spot has been reconsidered in favor of Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly. The absence of Ollie Lawrence due to a knee injury further complicates the backline, but experienced utility back Elliot Daly could prove pivotal. His ability under pressure, as noted by England centurion Danny Care, makes him a valuable asset in high-stakes matches.
With Alex Mitchell out, Ben Spencer is likely to start at scrum-half, and George Furbank’s full-back position remains uncertain. The changes reflect Borthwick's determination to inject new energy into the team. This game against Italy is critical for England's Six Nations hopes, and the success of these experimental
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026