Six Nations: Maro Itoje replaces Jamie George as England captain

Maro Itoje has been promoted to England captain in the Six Nations, replacing Saracens team-mate Jamie George.

Itoje, 30, led England to the Under-20 world title in 2014 but was only promoted to Saracens captain this season after Owen Farrell left for France.

“I'm at a stage in my career where I'm ready to serve the team and the fans to the best of my ability as captain and give my best on the pitch,” he said.

Hooker George and Bristol prop Ellis Genge will serve as vice-captains in Steve Borthwick's 36-man squad.

In-form number eight Tom Willis was called up but Ben Spencer – who started the autumn as starting defender – withdrew to make room for Asia's return from injury. Alex Mitchell makes way.

Leicester City prop Dan Cole, 37, has also been left out, while club teammate Joe Hayes and Sale's Asher Opoku-Fogier have been brought in as tight options.

Bath's Ted Hill has been picked up, with club team-mate Sam Underhill set to undergo surgery on an ankle injury, while Harlequins wing Cadan Mulley Murley will replace Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who faces the possibility of surgery on a shoulder ailment.

Oscar Beard and Fraser Dingwall are alternative midfield options to the first-choice partnership of Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade, but there is no place for Alex Lozowski.

Northampton's George Furbank remains out with a broken arm, leaving Leicester City's Freddie Stewart as the only specialist defender, although Saracens' versatile defenders Elliot Daly and Flynn Guard Marcus Smith is the option at this position.

Salesman prop Bevan Rodd joins Opoku-Fordjour in the front row at club level, filling the void left by the retiring Joe Marler.

“Every player on the team I picked brings something unique to the team,” Borthwick said.

“The Six Nations is always a competitive and exciting tournament and this year is no exception.”

England's difficult start to the Six Nations begins on February 1 away at defending champions Ireland, seven days before they face France at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

England last won the title in 2020 but have not been in the title race since and finished third last season.

Borthwick's side have endured a difficult autumn – losing to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in successive weeks – but have won a total of five out of 12 games in 2024.

England's performance in the men's Six Nations will form the backdrop for Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney's future vote, which is due to take place in late March or April.