England squad

[baldpaul101]

Steward; Malins, Slade, Lawrence, Hassell-Collins; Farrell (c), Van Pooertvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Chessum; Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt

Replacements: Walker, M Vunipola, Cole, Isiekwe, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Arundell

[Heathen]

Much better balance to that team.

[baldpaul101]

Assuming you MUST pick Farrell (I dont agree necessarily but it seems to be the case for any coach who has him in a squad, England & Lions) then play him at 10, rather than have him playing 10, but standing at 12!

Also good to see Jack getting a start (his first?) & Lawrence at 12. This looks a much better balanced side to me & given how Italy have been playing its could be a quiet a good game!

[mike909]

It's the same 10/12/13 that started in 2021 vs Scotland and a team of similar balance to that day. Let's hope Farrell makes more than one pass to Lawrence this time....

I can see the argument for Lawrence and Slade, only it's been Slade who's been getting the England 12 gig most recently in the 2021 6Ns - 5 starts and Lawrence has been nearly always 13 for both Bath and Saints. So it's yet another midfield and one that's on a bit of a wing and a prayer...

Jack starting is good. Pack as expected but not particularly "ugly". Back three fine but not convinced by Steward. Could be a better set up when the bench is used.

[Shugs]

I agree it?s a much better balanced team. When you reflect it really is alarming that we don?t have an English international class 12. Many elsewhere getting excited about 15 all in their best positions. But Malins & Lawrence still aren?t. Still - good signs from Borthwick.

[Rossm]

Full squad (28/02/23)

Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, David Ribbans, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis.

Backs: Henry Arundell, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Jonny May, Alex Mitchell, Henry Slade, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson.

No Smith - probably be back next week tho'.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Way too many in there I would not have picked.

[Shugs]

I could cope with a back division of

Mitchell
Ford

Arundell
Lawrence
Slade
Watson
Steward

[baldpaul101]

So Farrell dropped.

Now we will see if its all about the player or the style of play. If Smith kicks prime attacking ball away aimlessly, we'll know that's the game plan!

How long since there's been a 6 Nations England team with neither Ben Youngs or Owen Farrell in the starting 15?