Borthwick boldly drops THREE stars

In a shock move, new England coach Steve Borthwick has omitted three experienced players from his 36-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

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Veterans Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell were all left out of Borthwick’s first-ever squad, which was revealed on Monday.

Owen Farrell has been named captain, with Courtney Lawes and Ellis Genge both named as vice captains.

There is a first call up for Northampton Saints’ Fin Smith. The flyhalf is joined by four other uncapped players – Ollie Hassell-Collins, George McGuigan, Cadan Murley and Jack Walker.

Lawes returns to the England fold following injury. There are also returns for forwards Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt and Nick Isiekwe, as well as backs Elliot Daly, Dan Kelly, Max Malins and Joe Marchant.

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“This is an exciting England squad, with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent, and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership,” said Borthwick.

“We are all looking forward to the challenges of the Six Nations and we will approach this great tournament with a spirit of courage and total commitment. I know the players can’t wait to get back to Twickenham and give our fans a performance they can be proud of. 

“The hard work for the Scotland game starts now,” Borthwick concluded after naming his England squad.

England 36-man squad for the Six Nations:

Forwards — Ollie Chessum , Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, George McGuigan, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis.

Backs — Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Dan Kelly, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Ben Youngs.