England drop Marcus Smith, move Farrell to flyhalf for Italy clash

Smith has been dropped to accommodate Farrell's move from inside centre to the number 10 jersey, breaking up the playmaking axis that has been in place for the last eight Tests.

Completing the overhaul for the round-two match at Twickenham is Henry Slade's return at outside centre after missing the defeat by Scotland because of a groin injury and Ollie Lawrence's return at 12.

"My policy always has been - and I've been very clear about this - that I pick a team for the game we are playing," Borthwick said.

"I've been very clear that every game matters for England. I'm not looking to games beyond or aspects beyond in months to come - I focus upon this week and that's what I'm doing with this team.

"I feel blessed that we've got some fantastic fly-halves in this country, which is brilliant for the competition for places."

Smith's omission means Farrell, the English Premiership's form fly-half, makes his first start for England in his preferred position since the 2021 Six Nations.

"Owen's ability to manage a game and dictate the game and where and how it should be played is very, very good," Borthwick said.

"He's also a very good defender in that channel and in the last couple of years at Saracens his ball movement has really developed.

"What we have with the combination of Owen, Ollie and Henry is right and left-footed kickers, carrying ability and distribution. There's a great blend of strengths there."

Completing the changes to the starting XV is Jack Willis displacing Ben Curry at openside flanker, increasing the threat England will pose at the breakdown.

"Jack hunts. You watch his games, you watch him train - he hunts. He is there, hunting for that opportunity," Borthwick said.

"He also carries the ball well. It's very easy for us to talk about stealing the ball on the floor, but I see him carrying the ball really effectively."

England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Owen Farrell (captain), 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Jack Willis, 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge.

Replacements: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Henry Arundell.