England has implemented two alterations prior to their match against Scotland on Saturday in the Six Nations, with Maro Itoje returning to lead the team and Luke Cowan-Dickie also starting; however, Marcus Smith is not included in the matchday 23.
England travels to Edinburgh for the Calcutta Cup encounter following a decisive 48-7 victory over Wales last weekend. They will confront a determined Scotland team at Murrayfield, eager to rectify their loss to Italy in Rome.
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Steve Borthwick has retained the same backline despite Ollie Lawrence’s availability, so the modifications are in the forward pack. Itoje replaces Alex Coles, who moves to the bench, while Cowan-Dickie takes the place of George, who captained England last Saturday. Additionally, the fit-again Fin Smith takes Marcus Smith’s spot on the bench, with the Harlequins playmaker omitted from the squad.
“Competing against Scotland at Murrayfield is always an exceptional event and a challenge we are looking forward to,” Borthwick stated.
“We had a satisfying start to the Championship, but we recognize the need to elevate our standards further. The squad has trained with focus and determination this week, and we are eager for the chance to test ourselves again on Saturday.”
