2024 Six Nations: Steve Borthwick's England facing hard selection decisions

The campaign of England's Six Nations campaign starts in the Eternal City on Saturday, however, Steve Borthwick, head coach is in the face of some hard selection decisions prior to the opening game of his team. England has never been defeated by Italy and is the most favored for the extension of that triumphant run in Rome.

Jonny May, Mako Vunipola, Ben Youngs, and Stalwarts Courtney Lawes, have faced retirement from International duty, while numerous international players are not eligible for selection and Owen Farrell, former captain is opting for a break from Test rugby.

Flanker - Pearson to be staking claim


Veteran Lawes has left England duty with Tom Curry being eliminated from the Six Nations facing a hip injury, thus the Borthwick flankers will be having a new look from the semi-final defeat in the World Cup by South Africa.

Jack Willis is based internationally with Toulouse and is thus not eligible for selection and Lewis Ludiam is not added to the squad. So Borthwick does not have plenty of experience to depend on. Harlequin's Chandler Cunningham–South and Exeter's Ethan Roots have been convened to the senior squad for the very first time, while Ben, the twin brother of Curry and Tom Pearson of Northampton has as many as six caps between them.

Tom Pearson has appeared for once for England in the build-up before the World Cup against Wales.

Sam Underhill of Bath has also made his return to the England fold and is possibly going to be occupying a role as a starter against Italy, with Pearson who is 24 years old being preferred by several for claiming the other.

He is corporeally imposing in defense, determined at the breakdown, bursting on the ball with centre speed while attacking as illustrated by the hat-trick scored by him in the Investec Champions Cup victory over Bayonne. With Ben Earl standing at number eight with the skills of Underhill at the breakdown, it can turn out to be balanced well back row.

FAQs:

Where will England's Six Nations campaign begin?
The campaign of England's Six Nations campaign starts in the Eternal City on Saturday, however, Steve Borthwick, head coach is in the face of some hard selection decisions before the opening game of his team.

Who has been ruled out from the Six Nations?
Veteran Lawes has left England duty with Tom Curry being eliminated from the Six Nations facing a hip injury, thus the Borthwick flankers will be having a new look from the semi-final defeat in the World Cup by South Africa.