Steve Borthwick has named a 36-man training squad ahead of the 2025 Six Nations, consisting of two uncapped players, Oscar Beard and Caden Murley, alongside a wealth of experience that the likes of Jamie George and George Ford bring.
There’s the noticeable absence of veteran prop Dan Cole, favouring instead a younger front-row contingent of Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Bevan Rodd, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes and Theo Dan. Borthwick has chosen typically strong second and back-row options, with the noticeable inclusions of both Ted Hill and Tom Willis.
There is a pleasant return to the squad for Northampton star Alex Mitchell following injury as he reunites in the international squad with the two Smiths in the halfback positions. It’s worth noting, however, that Ben Spencer failed to make the cut, with the younger Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall being chosen instead.
The always versatile Elliot Daly looks to build upon his 69 caps, as he is expected to provide cover in both the backfield and the midfield, with Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence set to continue their impressive centre partnership.
“I’ve selected a squad where every player brings something unique to the group,” said Borthwick. “The Six Nations is always a fiercely contested and exciting tournament, and this year will be no exception.
“We’re looking forward to the squad coming together in Girona to kick off our preparations for the opening challenge against Ireland in Dublin.”
Welcoming Maro Itoje as the new England Captain, replacing Jamie George, Borthwick added: “With 88 England caps, Maro has been a central figure in this squad for many years, bringing a vast amount of experience both on and off the field.
“He’s a calm, influential leader, renowned his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.”
Itoje will become the 136th captain of the side after first making his international debut in the 2016 Six Nations against Italy. The Saracen recently overtook Martin Johnson’s 84 Test caps – now on 88 – and has been an integral part of England sides over the last nine years.
“I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have been asked by Steve to be England captain,” said Itoje. “It’s a truly incredible privilege for both me and my family, and I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity.
“With the role comes a great deal of responsibility, but I’m at a point in my career where I feel ready to give my all to serve the team and the fans with the captaincy, and also produce my best on the field.
“It’s reassuring to know there is a group of senior players to support me and help build on the achievements of Jamie, who has led the team brilliantly and who has been a great friend and leader for so many years.
“I am excited by the squad of players we have, who are all hungry for success, and I look forward to leading them out for the forthcoming Six Nations.”
Borthwick added: “Maro’s strong rapport with the squad and coaches, combined with his leadership experience at Saracens, makes him ideally placed to take on this responsibility.
“I’d like to recognise the outstanding leadership of Jamie George, whose contributions as captain have been significant and will continue to play an important role as a vice-captain.”
36-player training squad
Forwards
Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 6 caps)
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 11 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 6 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
Theo Dan (Saracens, 16 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 20 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 37 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 66 caps) – vice-captain
Jamie George (Saracens, 97 caps) – vice-captain
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
Ted Hill (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 88 caps) – captain
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 1 cap)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
Tom Willis (Saracens, 1 cap)
Backs
Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 69 caps)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
George Ford (Sale Sharks, 98 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 18 caps)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 11 caps)
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 69 caps)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 39 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps)
Rehabilitation: Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), and Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby).
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