Itoje's stock continues to rise

Itoje is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in world rugby and was named Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for December.

However, the 21-year-old has yet to win a cap for England's senior team despite his exploits on the field. Healey believes this will soon change.

"He will play for England, the big question is will he be Eddie Jones' captain," said Healey.

"He has shown a maturity on the field way beyond his years all season."

Healey praised Itoje's all-round game on the field.

"It is not just his temperament that makes Maro Itoje stand out as a definite England second row of the future – he possesses great physical attributes and more importantly amazing technique.

"When carrying his hands and timing are excellent, when tackling he is strong and rarely misses, but for me it is at the breakdown where he is best. He has good special awareness in the rucks and often finds a way to bounce to his feet and stay deep in the ruck, therefore using his feet to disrupt possession," Healey added.

Itoje, who is a former England Under-20 captain, was in stunning form through December as his club continued their unbeaten start to not only the Premiership season but also the European Rugby Champions Cup campaign.

England begin their Six Nations campaign against with a trip to Murrayfield to face Scotland on February 6.