England captain Maro Itoje will provide a significant boost to the team’s Six Nations campaign, though he will begin the tournament from the bench. The decision comes amidst a deeply personal time for the lock forward, following the recent passing of his mother in December.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for a second-row partnership of Leicester Tigers’ Ollie Chessum and Northampton Saints’ Alex Coles for the opening match against Wales. Itoje’s inclusion will be as part of a 6-2 split between forwards and backs on the replacements bench.
Itoje travelled to Nigeria last week to attend his mother’s funeral, resulting in him missing a portion of England’s preparations. His return to the squad, even in a substitute role, is a testament to his importance to the team and his commitment to the Six Nations.
Alongside Itoje on the bench will be fellow forwards Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Henry Pollock, and Tom Curry, as well as backs Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith. Jamie George will captain the side in Itoje’s absence from the starting lineup.
England’s Starting XV to Face Wales
Jamie George leads the team from the front as hooker, flanked by Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes at props. The front row provides a solid foundation for the pack.
The back-row will feature a dynamic combination of Bath Rugby duo Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper, alongside the powerful Ben Earl at Number Eight. This trio will be crucial in providing both physicality and breakdown expertise.
Alex Mitchell and George Ford will form the half-back partnership, tasked with controlling the tempo of the game and providing creative spark. The experienced Ford will bring a calming influence, while Mitchell’s energy will be vital in quickening the pace.
Northampton Saints pair Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman will occupy the centre positions, bringing a blend of power and pace to the midfield. Their ability to break the gain line will be key to unlocking the Welsh defence.
A late injury to Exeter Chiefs winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has necessitated a change on the wing, with Tom Roebuck stepping in to take his place. Henry Arundell will make his first start since the 2023 World Cup on the opposite wing, adding further attacking threat.
Completing the starting lineup at full-back is Freddie Steward, a reliable presence known for his safe hands and strong defensive work. Steward’s positional awareness will be crucial in dealing with any aerial threats from the Welsh side.
The selection reflects a balance between experience and emerging talent, with Borthwick clearly aiming to build a cohesive and competitive unit. While Itoje’s absence from the starting XV is notable, his presence on the bench provides a powerful option for Borthwick to utilize as the game unfolds.
England will be looking to start their Six Nations campaign with a strong performance against a Welsh side currently facing challenges. The match promises to be a physical encounter, with both teams eager to establish dominance up front. The tactical battle between the halves will also be a key area to watch, as both sides look to dictate the flow of the game.
The team’s ability to adapt to the conditions and execute their game plan effectively will be crucial in securing a positive result. With a strong starting lineup and a powerful bench, England will be confident of making a statement in their opening match of the 2026 Six Nations.
