England’s new captain Maro Itoje insisted that “injuries present opportunities” after a raft of players were ruled out of next week’s Six Nations opener in Ireland. Five players were dropped from Steve Borthwick’s squad on Tuesday: Alex Coles (Northampton Saints),

Steve Borthwick has been forced into a drastic reshuffle of his Six Nations squad after Jamie George was ruled out of the opening two rounds, the former captain among four players to withdraw from the England squad.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has been forced to call up five players after his Six Nations squad was rocked by injury on a damaging weekend of club rugby.

A very good morning and welcome along to LIVE coverage as England prepare to announce their squad for the upcoming Six Nations. Steve Borthwick has plenty to consider ahead of a crucial campaign, and will confirm his selection at 11.30am GMT with little more than a fortnight until his side kick off their tournament against Ireland.

Obviously, personal goals are aligned to team outcomes so mine would be to win the Six Nations competition. It’s exciting, one of the best competitions in the world and I’m thrilled to meet up with all the lads again.