ENGLAND have named their 23-man squad for the opening game of their 2024 Guinness Six Nations campaign on Saturday against Italy in Rome.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has picked a new-look squad of players including former Worcester Warriors fly-half Fin Smith, who is named amongst the replacements.

The 21-year-old - who came through the academy at Warriors - has been in superb form this season for new club Northampton Saints, guiding them to the top of the Gallagher Premiership table and into the knockout stages of the European Champions Cup.

He is one of five potential debutants in the squad, which will be captained by Saracens hooker Jamie George. Ethan Roots of Exeter Chiefs and Fraser Dingwall of Northampton Saints will make their Test debuts after being named to start at blindside flanker and inside centre respectively, whilst a further three uncapped players have been chosen as replacements: Chandler Cunningham-South, Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

On his selection, Steve Borthwick said: "After an excellent week’s preparation in Girona, we look forward to the challenge of playing Italy in Rome. The Azzurri are a dangerous team, with some talented ball carriers and players who like to find space.

"We’ll need to make good decisions, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity to our performance from the first whistle to the last.

"Winning a first cap for your country is always a very special occasion. We’re delighted for the debutants who have all worked incredibly hard to get themselves selected in the 23 to face Italy.

"I know Saturday will be a very proud moment for the players and their families. My message to them this week has been to be themselves, to grasp their opportunity, and to play with the strengths and skills that deservedly got them selected to a strong Six Nations squad."