England's Six Nations 2026 campaign is set to undergo a dramatic transformation as head coach Steve Borthwick aims to turn things around against Italy on Saturday. With a series of strategic changes, Borthwick is reshaping his backline, marking a significant shift from England's previous match against Ireland.
The team's lineup is set to be a study in adaptability, with two injuries and a positional shift bringing about a complete overhaul. Northampton's Fin Smith will take on the role of fly-half, replacing George Ford, while Gloucester's Seb Atkinson is poised to become England's inside centre in Rome. These changes are just the beginning.
With outside centre Ollie Lawrence sidelined due to a knee injury, Tommy Freeman is expected to move from the wing back to his familiar midfield position. This move will see Tom Roebuck return to the starting lineup, taking up the wing position, with Cadan Murley likely to start on the other wing, replacing Henry Arundell.
The full-back position is also up for grabs, with George Furbank's expected inclusion potentially replaced by Marcus Smith or Elliot Daly, both of whom are in the running to take over from Freddie Steward. Steward was substituted at halftime during England's 42-21 defeat to Ireland, indicating a need for a fresh approach.
Ben Spencer is set to start as scrum-half, with Alex Mitchell's injury ruling him out. The team's utility back, Danny Care, highlights the importance of experience in high-pressure situations, praising Daly's ability to handle crucial moments with his strong left boot and exceptional aerial skills, drawing from his extensive experience in Test matches and tours with the British and Irish Lions.
