England's new boss reveals his first squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Steve Borthwick has named his first England squad that will meet for a Six Nations training camp next week.
Head coach Borthwick has called up 36 players who will train at the England Rugby Performance Centre, Pennyhill Park for five days as they begin preparations for the prestigious tournament.
There is a first call up for Northampton Saints’ Fin Smith. The flyhalf joins four other uncapped players in the squad – Ollie Hassell-Collins, George McGuigan, Cadan Murley and Jack Walker.
Courtney Lawes returns to the squad following injury. There are also returns for Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt and Nick Isiekwe and backs Elliot Daly, Dan Kelly, Max Malins and Joe Marchant.
Owen Farrell has also been named in the squad however he has not retained the captain’s armband.
England’s opening game is the historic Calcutta Cup fixture against Scotland on Saturday, February 4.
Borthwick said: “This is an exciting squad, with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent, and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership.
“We are all looking forward to the challenges of the Six Nations and we will approach this great tournament with a spirit of courage and total commitment.
“I know the players can’t wait to get back to Twickenham and give our fans a performance they can be proud of.
“The hard work for the Scotland game starts now.”
Following the Scotland clash, England will host Italy on Sunday, February 12. They will then travel to Cardiff to take on Wales on Saturday, February 25.
England are then back at Twickenham to face France on Saturday, March 11 . The final game is in Dublin against Ireland on Saturday, March 18.
England squad:
FORWARDS
Ollie Chessum , Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, George McGuigan, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis
BACKS
Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Dan Kelly, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Ben Youngs
