England make nine changes to team for Six Nations game against Italy in Rome

ALL CHANGE: England head coach Steve Borthwick has made wholesale changes. Pic: Adam Davy/PA

Steve Borthwick has reacted to England’s Guinness Six Nations slump by completing a radical overhaul of his team to face Italy including the return of Fin Smith at fly-half as part of a whole new back line.

There are nine changes in personnel and a further three positional switches following the 42-21 rout by Ireland that removed England from title contention with two rounds remaining.

Smith will direct operations in his first start since the autumn at the expense of George Ford, who has been jettisoned from the matchday 23 entirely after under-performing against Andy Farrell’s men.

British and Irish Lions playmaker Smith marshals a back line that includes only one survivor from the Ireland mauling in Tommy Freeman, and even he has been relocated from wing to outside centre.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The England team to take on Italy this weekend 🌹#GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/Xdvz5Fssqy

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 3, 2026