Ford selected at fly half as Roots and Dingwall prepare for England debuts

George Ford has been named as the starting fly half for England in their Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday. The lineup also includes two uncapped players, Ethan Roots and Fraser Dingwall.

Owen Farrell’s decision to step back from international rugby created an opportunity for various candidates to claim the No. 10 position. Marcus Smith was considered the favorite but suffered an injury in training, leading to a head-to-head contest between the experienced George Ford and uncapped Fin Smith. Coach Steve Borthwick has opted for Ford to start, with Smith on the bench.

Alex Mitchell, Smith’s teammate from Northampton Saints, will start as the scrum half. Veteran Danny Care is on the bench and is likely to earn his 97th cap during the game.

The matchday 23 includes five uncapped players, with two in the starting lineup. Exeter Chiefs’ Ethan Roots, born in New Zealand and eligible for England through his father, starts at No. 6. Northampton centre Fraser Dingwall, in his 10th England squad, finally makes his debut. Two potential debutants on the bench are Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Harlequins’ Chandler Cunningham-South.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, opting to play for England instead of Wales, where he represented at age-grade level, is set to earn his first cap.

Northampton is well represented after their excellent campaign, with Tommy Freeman, a flyer, earning his fourth cap on the right wing. He joins regulars Freddie Steward and Elliot Daly in the back three. Henry Slade returns after missing the World Cup and takes the No. 13 shirt alongside Dingwall.

In the back row, Roots is joined by the fit-again Sam Underhill and World Cup star Ben Earl. Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum form the expected second row due to George Martin’s injury. New captain Jamie George is flanked by Joe Marler, who overcame an arm injury to start, and Will Stuart in the front row. Prop options on the bench include Ellis Genge and Dan Cole, alongside hooker Theo Dan and versatile Alex Coles.

Despite England’s undefeated history against Italy, Borthwick acknowledges the Azzurri’s threats but expresses confidence in a strong start to the Six Nations.

“After an excellent week’s preparation in Girona, we look forward to the challenge of playing Italy in Rome,” said Borthwick. “The Azzurri are a dangerous team, with some talented ball carriers and players who like to find space.

“We’ll need to make good decisions, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity to our performance from the first whistle to the last.”

The inclusion of five uncapped players in the squad might raise eyebrows, but Borthwick emphasizes that each player deserves the opportunity.

“Winning a first cap for your country is always a very special occasion,” he added. “We’re delighted for the debutants who have all worked incredibly hard to get themselves selected in the 23 to face Italy.

“I know Saturday will be a very proud moment for the players and their families. My message to them this week has been to be themselves, to grasp their opportunity, and to play with the strengths and skills that deservedly got them selected to a strong Six Nations squad.”

England’s starting XV against Italy in the Six Nations opener:

• Freddie Steward, 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Fraser Dingwall, 11. Elliot Daly, 10. George Ford, 9. Alex Mitchell; 1. Joe Marler, 2. Jamie George (captain), 3. Will Stuart, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Ethan Roots, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Ben Earl

Replacements: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Ellis Genge, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Alex Coles, 20. Chandler Cunningham-South, 21. Danny Care, 22. Fin Smith, 23. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso