England team to play Scotland: 2025 Six Nations
02/18/2025 10:15 AM
Steve Borthwick has revealed his England team to play Scotland in the third round of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations – and there's just one change to the starting XV that beat France.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The Calcutta Cup showdown takes place at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 22 February (kick-off 4.45pm, live on ITV1), marking the 143rd meeting between these old rivals.
Scroll down for the England team to play Scotland.
Genge leads the charge up front
Vice-captain Ellis Genge anchors the scrum at loosehead, joined by Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker and Will Stuart at tighthead.
Itoje and Chessum lock it down
Skipper Maro Itoje partners Ollie Chessum in the second row – Chessum earning his first start of the championship.
Power-packed back row
The back-row trio brings balance and bite, with Tom Curry on the blindside, Ben Earl at openside, and Tom Willispacking down at No.8.
Smith pulls the strings
In the half-backs, Alex Mitchell continues at scrum-half, with Fin Smith trusted to steer the ship at fly-half.
Slade and Lawrence bring the muscle
Borthwick keeps faith with Henry Slade at inside centre and Ollie Lawrence at 13 – a combination built for both finesse and physicality.
Sleightholme steps up
The back three has an electric feel – Ollie Sleightholme earns his place on the left wing, Tommy Freeman lines up on the right, while Marcus Smith adds flair from full-back.
England bench: Six forwards locked and loaded
Borthwick opts for a 6-2 split, with vice-captain Jamie George leading the replacements. Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, George Martin, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Harry Randall, and Elliot Daly complete the matchday 23.
"We are looking forward to what will be another challenging and exciting match against Scotland," said Borthwick.
"The Calcutta Cup is a special fixture, and we are determined to perform to our very best in front of our supporters at Allianz Stadium."
ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY SCOTLAND
- Saturday 22 February 2025
- Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Kick-off: 4.45pm (GMT)
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 41 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 71 caps)
11. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 68 caps) – vice-captain
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 46 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 47 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 90 caps) – captain
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 58 caps)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 39 caps)
8. Tom Willis (Saracens, 3 caps)
Replacements:
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 98 caps) – vice-captain
17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 7 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 12 caps)
21. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 8 caps)
22. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 12 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 70 caps)
Marcus Smith is one of rugby's richest stars with huge net worth
From iconic players to unexpected names, here's the ultimate countdown of rugby's wealthiest stars.
10. Marcus Smith – £1.46 million ($2 million)
Harlequins' playmaker and marketing magnet
Marcus Smith isn't just one of England's most exciting talents—he's also a rising commercial powerhouse. While his Premiership earnings are solid, his growing net worth is boosted by lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like Charles Tyrwhitt, Castore, Land Rover, and Breitling. His marketability ensures he's a financial force both on and off the pitch.
9. Maro Itoje – £1.46 million ($2 million)
England and Saracens' towering presence
Maro Itoje matches Marcus Smith both on the pitch and in the bank. With his growing influence on and off the field, Itoje's salary mirrors his worth to Saracens and England alike.
8. Charles Piutau – £1.85 million ($2.5 million)
A marquee signing with a marquee salary
When Charles Piutau joined Bristol Bears, it wasn't just his skills that made headlines—it was his paycheck. Over five seasons, the former All Black became one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
7. Handré Pollard – £1.94 million ($2.7 million)
A Springbok with serious earning power
The lone South African in this list, Handré Pollard made waves when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Now at Leicester Tigers, reports suggest Pollard's earnings hit around R15 million per season.
6. Ilona Maher – £3 million
A trailblazer on and off the pitch
Ilona Maher's influence goes far beyond rugby. The USA sevens star has carved out a lucrative career through sponsorships, social media, and a growing brand that makes her one of the sport's most marketable athletes.
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