England Six Nations squad 2023: Steve Borthwick retains 29-man party ahead of Italy match
England have dropped their most capped men's player for Sunday's clash with Italy after Ben Youngs was left out of a reduced training squad.
Youngs, 33, produced a disappointing performance off the bench in the Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland that opened the Guinness Six Nations and has paid the price by losing his place to Alex Mitchell in the 29-man group that will step up preparations for the Azzurri showdown.
Youngs is the only member of the starting XV to be omitted by head coach Steve Borthwick with his spot taken by Jack Willis, pointing to a recall for the Toulouse openside.
Also missing is Anthony Watson, who played 15 minutes as a replacement against Scotland with Henry Arundell taking his place as the London Irish try-scoring sensation prepares to be make his comeback after missing the autumn because of an ankle issue.
Who is in England's Six Nations squad to face Italy?
Forwards
Ollie Chessum
Dan Cole
Alex Dombrandt
Tom Dunn
Ben Earl
Ellis Genge
Jamie George
Nick Isiekwe
Maro Itoje
Lewis Ludlam
David Ribbans
Kyle Sinckler
Mako Vunipola
Jack Walker
Jack Willis
Backs
Henry Arundell
Owen Farrell
Tommy Freeman
Ollie Hassell-Collins
Ollie Lawrence
Max Malins
Joe Marchant
Alex Mitchell
Henry Slade
Fin Smith
Marcus Smith
Freddie Steward
Manu Tuilagi
Jack van Poortvliet
Who is injured?
As ever, Borthwick has been forced to exclude certain names due to injuries.
Likely starters such as flanker Tom Curry and Luke Cowan-Dickie are both injured, with the latter ruled out of the tournament. Courtney Lawes continues to manage his rehabilitation.
Hooker is a problem position for Borthwick with George McGuigan and Jack Singleton joining Cowan-Dickie on the injury list. Tighthead prop Will Stuart is also unavailable.