Get ready for a rugby revolution! England's Six Nations 2026 squad is in for a dramatic overhaul as they gear up to face Italy this Saturday. Head coach Steve Borthwick is pulling no punches, planning a complete transformation of the backline in a bold move to turn their campaign around. But here's where it gets intriguing: due to two injuries and a strategic role shift, every single position in the backline could see a new face compared to their last clash with Ireland. Is this the shake-up England needs, or a risky gamble?
Northampton’s rising star, Fin Smith, is tipped to step into the fly-half role, replacing the seasoned George Ford. Meanwhile, Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson is poised to make his mark as England’s inside centre in Rome. And this is the part most people miss: with Ollie Lawrence sidelined by a knee injury, Tommy Freeman is expected to shift from the wing to the midfield, a position he’s familiar with. This shift opens the door for Tom Roebuck to reclaim his spot in the starting line-up, while Cadan Murley is rumored to take over on the other wing, replacing Henry Arundell.
The full-back position is where things get even more heated. George Furbank was initially expected to step in, but now Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly are reportedly in the mix to challenge Freddie Steward, who was substituted during the first half of England’s 42-21 loss to Ireland. Should Borthwick stick with Steward or take a chance on fresh talent?
With scrum-half Alex Mitchell injured, Ben Spencer is set to take the reins. But it’s Daly’s potential inclusion that’s sparking debate. England veteran Danny Care, with over 100 caps to his name, believes Daly’s experience could be a game-changer in high-pressure situations. “He’s got a big left boot and an exceptional aerial game,” Care told Rugby Union Weekly. “He’s been there, done that in the biggest Test matches.” With 74 caps and three British and Irish Lions tours under his belt, Daly’s resume speaks for itself. But is experience enough to justify his selection, or is it time to give younger players a shot?
As England prepares for this pivotal match, one thing’s clear: Borthwick isn’t afraid to make bold decisions. Whether these changes will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—this game is shaping up to be a must-watch. What do you think? Are these changes a stroke of genius or a recipe for disaster? Let us know in the comments!
