England have dropped Marcus Smith for the Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham with Elliot Daly replacing him as coach Steve Borthwick makes three changes to the line-up that began the narrow victory over Scotland.
In a dramatic shake-up of the backline for Sunday’s match, Smith is demoted to the bench while Henry Slade is jettisoned from the 23 altogether, with Fraser Dingwall making his first Test appearance since last year’s Championship.
The reshaped midfield sees Dingwall slot in at inside centre, with Ollie Lawrence remaining in the No.13 jersey.
Daly, who scored the winning try in the 26-25 win against France after coming off the bench, is preferred at fullback with Fin Smith retaining his place at fly-half.
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Marcus Smith had been Borthwick’s first-choice 10 but was shifted to fullback for England’s last two games in the tournament, thrilling one-point wins against France and Scotland.
But, against Scotland, he looked uncomfortable and barely ran with the ball while his defending was targeted.
On the decision to drop him, Borthwick said: “It’s brilliant for England to have such high-quality players. You’ll have seen Elliot’s impact off the bench and I’m looking forward to seeing Marcus Smith off the bench against tiring defenders, in space.”
Marcus Smith. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Borthwick later described how Smith responded to the benching.
“I told Marcus about selection and he went out and trained brilliantly. Which is immense credit to him as a person,” said Borthwick.
“I’ve been really clear and open with the players throughout. I understand that every player wants to start – it’s been the same for every England player in every generation. But I’ll stress; I think we have a lot of talented players; a lot of talented backs with attacking ability.
“Marcus has done so many things very well and when I talked to him I said that he’s a game-changer – that’s the best way I can describe it. He has an impact on games
“We all know that he has the ability to find space that other players can’t. The exciting thing I’m looking forward to this weekend is unleashing him when there is a bit of fatigue on the pitch, a bit of space on the pitch. When he comes on with his freshness the whole stadium will be excited. I’m looking forward to seeing him enter the game against tiring defenders.
“Elliot is a really good attacking strong player but it’s never just about one player, it’s about the team.”
Dingwall, who won his last England cap more than a year ago, will be in familiar company in England’s back line. His inclusion means five of the seven backs to start on Sunday will be from Premiership champions Northampton.
Alex Mitchell will continue his half back partnership with Smith, with Ollie Sleightholme on the left wing and Tommy Freeman on the right.
England were criticised for kicking away possession against Scotland and will be looking to build a positive points difference against an Italy side thrashed by France last time out.
Borthwick’s side are third and have minus three difference although they retain an outside chance of winning the title.
England team: 15-Elliot Daly, 14-Tommy Freeman, 13-Ollie Lawrence, 12-Fraser Dingwall, 11-Ollie Sleightholme, 10-Fin Smith, 9-Alex Mitchell, 8-Tom Willis, 7-Ben Earl, 6-Tom Curry, 5-Ollie Chessum, 4-Maro Itoje (capt), 3-Will Stuart, 2-Jamie George, 1-Ellis Genge.
