Six Nations: Finn Smith comes into a rejuvenated England squad to face Italy

Head coach Steve Borthwick was less harsh on the forwards.

However, England’s line wobbled badly against the Irish and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, another player to be withdrawn before half-time, paid the price with Jamie George returning to the starting line-up.

Alex Coles brings in Maro Itoje in the second row, while Henry Pollock returns to the bench with Guy Pepper returning to partner Tom Curry and Ben Earl in the back row.

Lock Ollie Chessum drops to the bench.

England have sacrificed many faces and combinations that fueled a year-long 12-game winning streak, but Borthwick will hope the loss of continuity will be made up for by the energy, form and enthusiasm brought by his new selections.

Atkinson and Morley were among a group of players who returned to their clubs last weekend to prove their fitness and form.

After beating Wales comfortably in the opening round, England’s form took a sharp downward turn, losing to Scotland and Ireland by 11 and 21 points respectively.

They had never lost to Italy in 32 previous meetings, but the Azzurri’s performance was in stark contrast to their opponents.

Italy beat Scotland in the opening match and pushed Ireland and France hard in defeat. While they lost mercurial full-back Ange Capuzzo to injury, midfielder Ignacio Brix returned to the lineup after missing the past two matches due to personal reasons.