England get backline boost

01/27/2025 10:28 AM

Scrumhalf Alex Mitchell has been recalled by England head coach Steve Borthwick and is set to feature in their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday. 

Mitchell, who missed England's November Tests with a neck issue and recently suffered a knee injury, has fully participated in training this week as part of a 36-man squad and is poised to reclaim the No 9 jersey in Dublin.

Mitchell's return will potentially reunite him with flyhalf Marcus Smith while Borthwick is expected to stick with the midfield pairing of Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence.

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However, changes loom in the back three for the Aviva Stadium clash. Fullback Freddie Steward is likely to start alongside wingers Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck.

Up front, Luke Cowan-Dickie is expected to step in at hooker following Jamie George's withdrawal, supported by Ellis Genge and Will Stuart in the front row. 

Captain Maro Itoje continues his second-row partnership with George Martin, while Tom Curry, Ben Earl and Ollie Chessum are the likely starting back row.

Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

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