15 h. ago How England hope to unlock their attacking game — by dropping Marcus Smith

The enigmatic Harlequins playmaker has been given a bench role in Steve Borthwick’s side to face Italy

Events

17 h. ago England lineup vs Italy announced as Marcus Smith is dropped in dramatic shake

Head coach Steve Borthwick has opted to make three changes

Events

18 h. ago England drop Marcus Smith to bench as Henry Slade axed for Italy clash

Henry Slade is also left out of the backline as Elliot Daly and Fraser Dingwall come in

Politics

18 h. ago Marcus Smith benched for England’s crucial Six Nations clash with Italy

Borthwick makes controversial call to revamp back lineSlade out of the squad completely for weekend gameMarcus Smith and Henry Slade have been dropped for England’s Six Nations clash with Italy on Sunday with Steve Borthwick overhauling his backline in an effort to kickstart his side’s spluttering attacking.Elliot Daly is preferred at fullback while Fraser Dingwall comes into the side at inside centre as one of five starting Northampton backs with Borthwick making one of the boldest team selections of his tenure to date. Jamie George has also been recalled at hooker to make his first start since losing the captaincy on what will be his 100th appearance for England. Continue reading...

Politics

18 h. ago Marcus Smith benched for England’s Six Nations game with Italy

Coach Steve Borthwick revamps his back lineHenry Slade drops out of the squad for SundayMarcus Smith and Henry Slade have been dropped for England’s Six Nations game with Italy on Sunday with Steve Borthwick overhauling his backline in an effort to kickstart a spluttering attack.Elliot Daly is preferred at full-back while Fraser Dingwall comes into the side at inside centre as one of five starting Northampton backs. Jamie George has been recalled at hooker to make his first start since losing the captaincy on what will be his 100th appearance for England. Continue reading...

Politics

18 h. ago Marcus Smith faces uphill battle to regain England place after Italy axe

Borthwick decision is blow to Smith’s Lions hopesDingwall replaces Slade at inside-centreMarcus Smith faces an uphill battle to regain his England place after Steve Borthwick sought to kickstart his side’s spluttering attack by axing the Harlequins playmaker, dealing a major blow to his British & Irish Lions hopes.Borthwick dropped Smith for Sunday’s Six Nations fixture with Italy in a one-on-one meeting in England’s hotel bar and has offered him no assurances over his future place in the starting XV with Elliot Daly coming in at full-back. In his favoured position of fly-half, Fin Smith continues and with Fraser Dingwall replacing Henry Slade at inside-centre, Borthwick has picked five Northampton backs and highlighted the cohesion that brings. Continue reading...

Events

18 h. ago Marcus Smith DROPPED for England's Six Nations clash as attacking changes made for Italy

Marcus Smith has lost his starting role and will drop the bench as England face Italy at Twickenham with Elliot Daly and Fraser Dingwall coming into the team this weekend

Events

6 d. ago Part of claim against Barry Manilow to be paused in England, judge rules

Hipgnosis Songs Fund is bringing legal action over unpaid royalties and a bonus against the singer at the High Court in London.

Events

1 week ago England Six Nations star Marcus Smith on new role, Fin Smith and Calcutta Cup showdown

Smith, the smallest England player on the pitch, reacted fastest to dive on the late loose ball against France and allow namesake Fin Smith to kick the ball out and seal the win

Politics

2 w. ago Steve Borthwick backs Marcus Smith to rebound from kicking off

The Harlequins playmaker was taken off duties from the tee after a couple of misses against France but will re-assume duties ahead of Fin Smith

Politics

2 w. ago Chessum back in only England change for Six Nations clash with Scotland

Player in at second row with Martin dropped to benchRecall to team comes after impressing against FranceOllie Chessum will make his first England start for 11 months on Saturday with Steve Borthwick making a solitary change to his side to face Scotland. Chessum comes in at second row with George Martin, who has been nursing an injury problem, dropping to the bench.Otherwise, Borthwick has stuck with the same side that beat France with Fin Smith continuing at fly-half and Marcus Smith sticking at fullback. Borthwick has stuck with the same back row, meaning a second start for Tom Willis at No 8, as England seek a first win over Scotland since 2020. Continue reading...

Politics