Fin Smith will start for England in their Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday as Steve Borthwick makes wholesale changes to his team.
Borthwick has made nine personnel changes in light of back-to-back defeats against Scotland and Ireland, results which leave England out of title contention ahead of their game at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Tommy Freeman moves from wing to outside centre while Fin Smith replaces George Ford at fly-half.
Rising star Henry Pollock is dropped back to the bench after making his first start against Ireland.
Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson and Tom Roebuck all also come into the team.
Maro Itoje will captain the team and No 8 Ben Earl will win his 50th cap for England, having made his debut against Scotland in 2020.
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England’s Jamie George says their Six Nations fixture against Italy will be the toughest ever, but he feels the squad are going to be extremely well prepared
“We’re expecting a big test in Rome and it’s one the players are really looking forward to,” said Borthwick.
“We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we’ve selected a team we believe will deliver the level of performance we’re striving for.”
On Earl’s milestone, Borthwick added: “To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben’s professionalism and the consistency of his performances. He’s an important leader within this group, someone who drives standards and brings energy every day. It’s a wonderful achievement and one he should be very proud of.”
England team to face Italy
Starting XV: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman,12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Alex Coles, 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
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