6 Nations 2025: M.Smith on the Bench, Jamie George's 100th Cap: England's XV Against Italy

On Sunday 9th March 2025, England face Italy on the fourth matchday of the 6 Nations Championship, in what promises to be a decisive clash for both teams. While the English are looking to extend their winning streak after narrow victories over France and Scotland, several changes to the team’s lineup have been announced by head coach Steve Borthwick. Notably, Borthwick has opted to place Marcus Smith and Henry Slade on the bench, while Jamie George returns to the starting XV for his 100th cap, after being relegated to the bench at the beginning of the tournament.

6 nations 2025 eng-ita — *Harry Randall and Ollie Lawrence before the previous 6 Nations match against Scotland (©X/ England Rugby).*

England vs Italy: A High-Stakes Match with Major Changes

This Sunday England take on Italy in the fourth round of the Six Nations Championship, a match that holds significant stakes for both teams. While England hopes to continue their winning momentum after close victories against France and Scotland, Steve Borthwick has made several key changes to the starting lineup.

Borthwick’s Choice: Marcus Smith Dropped to the Bench

One of the most talked-about decisions from Borthwick is the dropping of Marcus Smith to the bench for the match against Italy. After being a regular starter in the previous matches at full-back, Smith, despite being seen as one of the leaders of the team, will not start this weekend. The coach has continued to back Fin Smith, who had impressed during England’s win against France. While Smith was moved to full-back for the last few games, his defensive struggles led Borthwick to favour the experience of Elliot Daly at the position. Daly, who has impressed during his cameo appearances, including scoring the match-winning try against France, will now take on the number 15 shirt. This reorganisation also sees Fraser Dingwall, back from injury, replace Henry Slade at centre, another surprise inclusion in the starting lineup.

Jamie George and the Significance of His 100th Start for England

Another key figure, Jamie George, will make history in this match with his 100th cap for England. The hooker, who made his international debut in 2015, becomes the seventh English player to reach this milestone. His return to the starting XV, after being relegated to the bench in the previous matches, will be a highlight of the encounter. At 34 years old, George, although no longer captain this year, remains a cornerstone of England’s forward pack, alongside Maro Itoje, who captains the side, and Ellis Genge, the vice-captain. His presence on the field against Italy will be symbolic for the English team as they look to keep their title hopes alive in the 2025 Six Nations. To do so, they will need at least an Ireland loss and must work on improving their points difference, which remains tight given the narrow margins of their first three matches, whether victories or defeats.