England Six Nations squad: Felixa ‘Billie’ Sylla and Greg Veselao have been selected

England have recalled 20-year-old Felixa ‘Billie’ Sila to the Six Nations to cover a host of head injuries, while Exeter’s number eight, Greg Veselao, has been rewarded for his impressive form for the club with a place in the competitive back-row group.

Elsewhere, Gloucester’s second row Arthur Clarke, who was ruled out of last year’s Six Nations due to injury, but won his first cap against the United States in the summer, is included in the second row.

Northampton’s unqualified player Emmanuel Iogun, who started in both England A matches in the autumn, comes in to cover the loose prop.

Saracens’ Noah Calori, Northampton pair George Hendy and Ollie Slithholm are absent from the back three with Bath speedster Henry Arundell, Harlequins’ Kadan Morley and the experienced Elliot Daly preferred.

Also in action is Northampton’s George Furbank, who has played just six games in the last eight months as he has struggled with injury.

Leicester player Adam Radwan’s hopes of joining were dashed due to an untimely leg injury.

Tigers teammate Jack van Poortvliet supports Alex Mitchell and Ben Spencer at scrum-half.

There are injury concerns for midfielder Ollie Lawrence, winger Tom Roebuck, winger Ben Curry and fly-half Finn Smith – all of whom will rehabilitate alongside the 36-man squad in the lead-up to their tournament opener against Wales on February 7.

Finn Baxter, the club’s free agent, will miss that match with a foot injury, but should return in time to contribute for the rest of England’s campaign.

Sela will compete with Trevor Davison to cover for Joe Hayes on the other side of the event.

Overall, England coach Steve Borthwick – whose side have achieved an 11-match winning streak all year – is choosing from a position of strength.

The midfield, once an area lacking in depth, now has a host of options with Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh putting pressure on the more established names.