Steve Borthwick has omitted Billy Vunipola and kept Owen Farrell as captain as he named his first England squad as coach for the 2023 Six Nations.
The experienced Jack Nowell and Jonny May join Vunipola in missing out on the 36-man squad, with uncapped wingers Ollie Hassell-Collins and Cadan Murley included instead of the pair.
Borthwick has recalled Dan Cole – an influential player for him in last year’s Premiership title success with Leicester – as the veteran prop looks to add to his 95 caps.
Alongside Farrell there are two Smiths selected at fly-half, with Harlequins’ Marcus making the cut after a man-of-the-match performance in defeat at Racing 92 yesterday, and uncapped Northampton’s Fin included after an impressive run of form since moving to Saints from Worcester Warriors.
Borthwick said: “This is an exciting squad, with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent, and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership.Β
βWe are all looking forward to the challenges of the Six Nations and we will approach this great tournament with a spirit of courage and total commitment.
βI know the players can’t wait to get back to Twickenham and give our fans a performance they can be proud of.
βThe hard work for the Scotland game starts now.”
In addition to the two uncapped wingers, there are also places for two uncapped hookers with George McGuigan and Jack Walker making the squad.
Ben Curry will hope to add to his solitary England cap with brother Tom injured, while Leicester Tigers centre Dan Kelly will be hoping to do the same.
After being left out of Eddie Jones’ last squad in Autumn, forwards Alex Dombrandt and Nick Isiekwe, and backs Elliot Daly, Max Malins and Joe Marchant all return, with Ellis Genge and Courtney Lawes named as the two vice-captains.
Forwards:Β Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), George McGuigan (Gloucester), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Jack Walker (Harlequins), Jack Willis (Toulouse)
Backs:Β Elliot Daly (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish), Dan Kelly (Leicester Tigers), Max Malins (Saracens), Joe Marchant (Harlequins), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
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