England Six Nations squad 2023: Steve Borthwick retains 29-man party ahead of Italy match

England have dropped their most capped men's player for Sunday's clash with Italy after Ben Youngs was left out of a reduced training squad.

Youngs, 33, produced a disappointing performance off the bench in the Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland that opened the Guinness Six Nations and has paid the price by losing his place to Alex Mitchell in the 29-man group that will step up preparations for the Azzurri showdown.

Youngs is the only member of the starting XV to be omitted by head coach Steve Borthwick with his spot taken by Jack Willis, pointing to a recall for the Toulouse openside.

Also missing is Anthony Watson, who played 15 minutes as a replacement against Scotland with Henry Arundell taking his place as the London Irish try-scoring sensation prepares to be make his comeback after missing the autumn because of an ankle issue.

Who is in England's Six Nations squad to face Italy?

Forwards

• Ollie Chessum

• Dan Cole

• Alex Dombrandt

• Tom Dunn

• Ben Earl

• Ellis Genge

• Jamie George

• Nick Isiekwe

• Maro Itoje

• Lewis Ludlam

• David Ribbans

• Kyle Sinckler

• Mako Vunipola

• Jack Walker

• Jack Willis

Backs

• Henry Arundell

• Owen Farrell

• Tommy Freeman

• Ollie Hassell-Collins

• Ollie Lawrence

• Max Malins

• Joe Marchant

• Alex Mitchell

• Henry Slade

• Fin Smith

• Marcus Smith

• Freddie Steward

• Manu Tuilagi

• Jack van Poortvliet

Who is injured?

As ever, Borthwick has been forced to exclude certain names due to injuries.

Likely starters such as flanker Tom Curry and Luke Cowan-Dickie are both injured, with the latter ruled out of the tournament. Courtney Lawes continues to manage his rehabilitation.

Hooker is a problem position for Borthwick with George McGuigan and Jack Singleton joining Cowan-Dickie on the injury list. Tighthead prop Will Stuart is also unavailable.