England upbeat on Smith and Mitchell fitness before Ireland Six Nations date

Fly-half Marcus Smith is recovering from calf injury while scrum-half Alex Mitchell may be ready to face Ireland too.

England's Marcus Smith during a training session at Twickenham Stadium.

England are confident Marcus Smith will be available for the game with Ireland on Saturday week as they look to salvage their Six Nations campaign. In a further boost for Steve Borthwick he could be joined by Alex Mitchell.

After England’s capitulation to Scotland on Saturday, Borthwick needs some positive news and the potential return of the half-backs he intended to start from the outset of the championship would be a timely shot in the arm.