Six Nations 2023: Ben Youngs, Ben Curry and Anthony Watson out of 29-man England squad to face Italy | Rugby Union News

Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped men’s player, left out of Steve Borthwick’s squad to take on Italy in Six Nations on Sunday at Twickenham, with kick-off at 3pm; Anthony Watson and Ben Curry are also out

Ben Youngs, Ben Curry and Anthony Watson are the big names to miss out as Steve Borthwick announced a 29-player squad for England’s Six Nations clash against Italy.

All three featured in England’s 29-23 loss to Scotland on Saturday and the omission of Youngs, England’s most capped men’s player, is the second big call from Borthwick in a matter of weeks after leaving out Manu Tuilagi against the Scots.

Youngs’ omission means scrum-half Alex Mitchell is likely to start on the bench this weekend.

Curry is the only member of the starting XV against Scotland to be omitted, and his place is taken by Jack Willis, pointing to a recall for the Toulouse openside.

Also missing is Anthony Watson, who played 15 minutes as a replacement against Scotland, with Henry Arundell taking his place as the London Irish try-scoring sensation prepares to make his comeback after missing the autumn because of an ankle issue.

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England’s most capped men’s player Ben Youngs says he is excited for a fresh start under Steve Borthwick as England prepare to face Scotland in the Six Nations next weekend.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Henry Slade and Arundell had returned to England’s squad following spells out injured, but Tom Curry remains out and Courtney Lawes continues to rehab.

Exeter Chiefs centre Slade had been out with a hip injury, while Arundell had been absent after undergoing surgery for a foot injury.

The latest omissions come after wing Cadan Murley (Harlequins) and centre Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers) were also released from the squad.

England face Italy in the second round of the Six Nations on Sunday at Twickenham, after the Azzurri pushed defending champions France hard in the opening weekend before falling to a 29-24 defeat.

England’s 29-player Six Nations Squad

Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 6 caps), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 96 caps), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 10 caps), Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby, 3 caps), Ben Earl (Saracens, 14 caps), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 44 caps), Jamie George (Saracens, 73 caps), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 9 caps), Maro Itoje (Saracens, 63 caps), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 15 caps), David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 57 caps), Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 75 caps), Jack Walker (Harlequins, uncapped), Jack Willis (Toulouse, 6 caps)

Backs: Henry Arundell (London Irish, 3 caps), Owen Farrell (Saracens, 102 caps), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, 1 cap), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 8 caps), Max Malins (Saracens, 15 caps), Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 14 caps), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 52 caps), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped), Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 18 caps), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps), Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 50 caps), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)