England fear fly-half Marcus Smith could miss the entire Six Nations Championship after suffering a calf injury during training on Monday.
Meanwhile, Charlie Ewels has returned to the England squad to prepare for the start of the Six Nations after Nick Isiekwe withdrew from a training camp in Girona due to illness.
Ewels, who is yet to appear in a Test match under Steve Borthwick, joins a group of back-five forwards already depleted by the international retirement of Courtney Lawes and a knee injury to George Martin.
Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum and Alex Coles are all in contention to play against Italy on February 3, with two potential debutants, Ethan Roots and Chandler Cunningham-South, also capable of covering the blind flanker.
Who is in the England Six Nations squad?
Steve Borthwick initially named a 36-man squad for the Six Nations with seven uncapped players. Since then, four players have withdrawn: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Nick Isiekwe, Oscar Beard and Ollie Lawrence. They have been replaced by Jamie Blamire, Charlie Ewels, Max Ojomah and Will Muir.
Telegraph Sport columnist Will Greenwood has offered analysis of each selected player
Come on
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 107 caps)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, uncapped)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)
Theo Dan (Saracens, 7 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 15 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 25 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 85 caps) – captain
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 76 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 88 caps)
Beno Obano (Bad Rugby, 3 caps)
Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
Added: Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 6 caps)
Added: Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
Backs
Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)
Danny Care (Harlequins, 96 caps)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 64 caps)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
George Ford (Sharks sale, 91 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, eleven caps)
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 57 caps)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 30 caps)
Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)
Added: Max Ojomoh (Bath, uncovered)
Added: Will Muir (Bath, uncapped)
Why Charlie Ewels fits into the Borthwick plan
Borthwick is known to be fond of ‘hybrid’ forwards such as Isiekwe, who can move between the lock and the back row. It could be that one of Itoje, Chessum or Coles will wear the number six in Rome for the opening match against Italy.
Ewels won the last of his 30 caps in the 2022 defeat to Ireland at Twickenham when he was sent off in the second minute for a dangerous tackle on James Ryan.
He subsequently returned to the wider squad and was part of the touring party that traveled to Australia in the summer of that year, but suffered a serious knee injury in training ahead of the Test series against the Wallabies.
In a bid to prove form and fitness for last year’s World Cup, the 28-year-old represented the Bulls in South Africa and was called up to Borthwick’s training squad.
However, he was overlooked for the tournament when Itoje, Chessum, Martin and David Ribbans were picked. Ribbans has since swapped Northampton Saints for Top 14 side Toulon.
Still known as a lineout general who is industrious on the pitch, Ewels can be buoyed by his domestic form as he links up with England. He has played in nine of Bath’s 11 Premiership games this season, starting eight as the West Country team gained a foothold in the top half of the table.
The news is indeed a blow for Bath, who will be missing their former club captain, as well as their other England players already in Girona, for a crucial derby against Bristol at Ashton Gate on Saturday, January 26.
Who is the England captain?
In the absence of Owen Farrell, Borthwick have experienced hooker Jamie George as his captain for the Six Nations.
“When I asked Jamie to be captain for this upcoming series, I could sense his excitement and pride at being asked to lead his country. I’m delighted he has accepted the role,” said Borthwick.
“Jamie has been a respected leader in this group for a number of years. With 85 England caps to his name, he is a quietly influential character with excellent tactical insight and who sets high standards while building strong relationships with those around him.
George, who has 85 caps to his name, added: “I love playing rugby for England. I hope everyone has seen how much it means to me, I have never shied away from that. I’m so excited about where this team can go and taking the fans along on that journey is something I care deeply about.”
How do I get tickets for matches?
Please refer to each country’s individual union website for information on match tickets. Availability will vary greatly depending on the match you are hoping to get tickets for.
What are the Six Nations fixtures in England?
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February 3 – Italy v England (Stadio Olympico)
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February 10 – England – Wales (Twickenham)
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February 24 – Scotland – England (Murrayfield)
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March 9 – England v Ireland (Twickenham)
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March 16 – France v England (Groupama Stadium, Lyon)
Who are the favorites to win the 2024 Six Nations?
Predictably, both Ireland and France are the bookmakers’ favourites, but with both teams having suffered losses, there could well be value in England’s price. Scotland, Wales and Italy are not very privileged.
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France wins: 5/4
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Ireland wins: 13/8
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England wins: 11/2
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Scotland wins: 12/1
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Wales wins: 18/1
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Italy wins: 250/1
Odds correct as of January 30, 2023