Maro Itoje is back in the starting lineup and will captain England in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown against Scotland at Murrayfield. After missing the tournament opener against Wales due to the recent passing of his mother, Itoje replaces Alex Coles in the second row and returns with renewed determination.
In Itoje’s absence during England’s dominant 48-7 victory over Wales, Jamie George took on the captaincy and started as hooker. This weekend, George moves to the bench, making way for Luke Cowan-Dickie to start at number two, one of only two changes made to the forward pack.
England’s backline, which dazzled in the first match, remains intact with Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman continuing their Northampton-centred partnership. Henry Arundell, who scored a hat-trick against Wales, returns on the left wing, joined by Tom Roebuck on the right. Roebuck’s inclusion follows the unfortunate hamstring injury to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
READ MORE: Somerset Flood Alerts Persist as Threat of More Rain Raises Concerns
READ MORE: Former Somerset Pizza Hut to Become New Tanning Salon Following Council Approval
The bench sees a single adjustment with Fin Smith replacing Marcus Smith after recovering from a calf injury. Head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for a balanced bench with six forwards and two backs, ensuring depth and flexibility.
England last won at Murrayfield in 2020 and narrowly claimed the Calcutta Cup with a 16-15 victory at Twickenham last year. Borthwick is keen to maintain momentum: “Playing Scotland at Murrayfield is always a fantastic occasion and a challenge we are relishing. We made a pleasing start to the Championship, but we understand that we must continue to raise our standards. The squad has trained with focus and determination this week and we’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves again on Saturday.”
The full England squad for the match is as follows:
Starting XV: Freddie Steward (Leicester), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Henry Arundell (Bath), George Ford (Sale), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Jamie Heyes (Leicester), Maro Itoje (Saracens, captain), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Guy Pepper (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath), Billy Earl (Saracens)
Replacements: Jamie George (Saracens), Ben Rodd (Sale), Tom Davison (Northampton), Alex Coles (Northampton), Tom Curry (Sale), Harry Pollock (Northampton), Ben Spencer (Bath), Fin Smith (Northampton)
England’s challenge is clear: to claim victory on Scottish soil and retain the coveted Calcutta Cup as the Guinness Six Nations progresses.