British Under-21s respond to Wales setback

England will field a much-changed team for tomorrow night’s under-21 international against Italy at Newbury following their 35-9 defeat in Wales a fortnight ago.

London Irish full-back Ed Thrower, Bristol wing James Bailey, Leicester prop Michael Holford and Sale back-row forward Magnus Lund are among several players drafted into the side.

Sharks lock Christian Day continues as captain, with England looking to bounce back from that comprehensive setback last time out.

Team: E Thrower (London Irish); J Bailey (Bristol Shoguns), C Bell (Harlequins), D Hipkiss (Leicester), C Mayor (Sale Sharks) or H Barratt (Harlequins); W Spragg (Sale Sharks), P Hodgson (Bristol Shoguns); P Cook (Leicester), A Kyriacou (Sale Sharks), M Holford (Leicester), J Hamilton (Leicester), C Day (Sale Sharks, capt), B Woods (Newcastle), J Scaysbrook (Bath), M Lund (Sale Sharks).

Replacements: M Thompson (Newcastle), M Stevens (Bath), J Pendlebury (Bath), B Russell (Saracens), C Stuart-Smith (Gloucester), T Taylor (Leicester), C Hyndman (Northampton).