England 31-14 Italy LIVE! Six Nations 2023 result, match stream, reaction and rugby updates today

England vs Italy LIVE!

The Six Nations continued at Twickenham this afternoon as Steve Borthwick got his first win in the final match of an electric round two. Eddie Jones’ successor as England head coach endured a disappointing debut on home soil last weekend, with the Calcutta Cup lost for the third year in a row thanks to Duhan van der Merwe’s heroics in a thrilling 29-23 triumph for Scotland.

However, England bounced back in fine style 31-14 on Sunday, dominating up front and scoring five tries with efforts from the superb Jack Willis, Ollie Chessum, Jamie George and Twickenham debutant Henry Arundell, plus a penalty try that further showcased their pack muscles. OIlie Lawrence also shone in the no12 shirt alongside Henry Slade, with Owen Farrell back at fly-half and Marcus Smith coming off the bench.

It was a massively disappointing first-half showing from Italy, who were bossed in the first half before improving after the break with scores from Marco Riccioni and Alessandro Fusco. Work still to do the Azzurri clearly despite the promise showed against France on the back of high-profile 2022 scalps. Follow England vs Italy reaction live below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at Twickenham.

England vs Italy latest news

• FT: England 31-14 Italy

• Borthwick gets first win of new era

• England Six Nations player ratings

18:07 , George Flood

The final word from Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal at Twickenham...

Steve Borthwick reaction

18:03 , George Flood

“I think we took some steps forward today, it’s an important thing to recognise,” England’s head coach said after his first win in charge. “Ultimately we left some chances out there, our ball speed could have been quicker and we conceded a few we didn’t want to.

“Ideally we would want our ruck speed to be a bit quicker. The nature of the game tactically, when you watch what Italy do they are a real dangerous threat.

“I think you saw some players off the bench play well, Alex Mitchell and Henry Arundell combined, that was a positive. We pick a team for how we want to play against specific opposition.”

Owen Farrell reaction

18:01 , George Flood

“I think in terms of the performance it felt better than last week,” the England captain told ITV. “A step forward as it would be a week on in our new journey. It is a step in the right direction.

“We are trying to learn how the new journey wants us to play. We are starting off fighting for 80 minutes, fighting for each other and building relationships between each other.

“It’s testament to those players coming back but it’s only because they deserve it. Jack Willis deserves it, he has fought hard and is playing well. He put in a great shift and we are happy to play with him.”

Ollie Lawrence reaction

18:00 , George Flood

“It is important for us to take a big step. It was my job to make sure we got over the gainline,” he told ITV.

“I thought we took a massive stride forward after last week. We’re rebuilding as a team. We’re nowhere near the finished product but we believe in where we’re going as a team.

“I try to carry hard and keep my head down. I relaxed and did what I had to do. Steve’s pushed me to get better.”

England player ratings

17:54 , George Flood

Replacements

Jack Walker (for George, 73’) 7

Kept things tidy in a short cameo for his Test debut.

Mako Vunipola (for Genge, 54’) 7

Put himself about and clung on through a wobbly stint in the second half.

Dan Cole (for Sinckler, 49’) 7

Kept up the scrum power but looked slightly leggy around the field.

Nick Isiekwe (for Dombrandt, 65’) 7

Solid enough effort at the death.

Ben Earl (for Willis, 52’) 7

Showed up well but still has not been able to transfer Saracens form to the England side.

Alex Mitchell (for Van Poortvliet, 59’) 8

A good cameo from the Northampton scrum-half.

Marcus Smith (for Slade, 72) 7

Saw the game out well for England.

Henry Arundell (for Hassell-Collins, 54’) 8

Took his try with total calm amid an effortless finish.

England player ratings

17:52 , George Flood

Forwards

Ellis Genge 8

Another big showing from the vice-captain who squeezed Italy in all the most painful places.

Jamie George 8

Capped a smart showing with a try as England dominated up front.

Kyle Sinckler 8

Big scrummaging effort from Bristol’s ex-Harlequins tighthead.

Maro Itoje 7

Still not quite at his own best, but that admittedly is a ridiculously high ceiling.

Ollie Chessum 8

The tighthead lock England have craved for years. The Lincolnshire lad has a major Test future ahead.

Lewis Ludlam 8

Relentless showing from the Northampton man who is growing back into the blindside role.

Jack Willis 9

A peerless display of openside flank power, and England’s No 7 for some time to come.

Alex Dombrandt 7

Still looks slightly short of full zip, but some nice touches.

England player ratings

17:51 , George Flood

Backs

Freddie Steward 7

Solid enough at the back without ever having the chance to cut loose.

Max Malins 7

Denied an assist through a stunning dummy after infringement elsewhere, but was composed throughout.

Henry Slade 8

The Exeter centre just oozes confidence and offers comfort to any backline with his ability to man the playmaking tiller.

Ollie Lawrence 9

A blockbusting showing from the Bath centre who has proved himself the man in the middle for the 12 shirt for England.

Ollie Hassell-Collins 6

Struggled to impose himself and has yet to show what he can do at Test level.

Owen Farrell (c) 7

Back in his rightful and most comfortable position and even if somewhat within himself, this was a fine showing.

Jack van Poortvliet 7

Keeps England ticking over and is definitely the man to capitalise on the side’s new-found quick ball.

Nick Purewal’s match report

17:49 , George Flood

Steve Borthwick is cuter than he looks, on the strength of the kidology before this 31-14 win over Italy that kick-started England’s new era, writes Nick Purewal at Twickenham.

The new England head coach insisted the Red Rose side he inherited from the sacked Eddie Jones were also-rans in both the scrum and maul.

And yet, here England were, getting back to winning ways – and scoring four of their five tries from tight-five dominance.

A resurgent Italy put the scrum and maul squeeze on defending Six Nations champions France last weekend, with Les Bleus boasting one of the meanest packs in the tournament.

Borthwick’s new-look England were in no mood to mess around at Twickenham after last weekend’s 29-23 reverse to Scotland.

Click here to read the report in full

Full-time

16:57 , George Flood

England 31-14 Italy

The first win of the Steve Borthwick era!

Improved second half from the Azzurri, but England were mostly dominant and absolutely bossed the first half.

Scores from Jack Willis, Ollie Chessum, Jamie George, a penalty try and then debutant Henry Arundell.

Marco Riccioni and Alessandro Fusco tried to make things interesting for Italy.

England brilliant up front and some terrific displays from the likes of Willis and Ollie Lawrence.

Very promising for Borthwick.

16:51 , George Flood

78 mins: Lawrence has been fantastic for England today.

Italy look to finish with a flourish but Farrell drags the carrier down and Lawrence then displays perfect technique to get over the ball and seal the turnover.

Lawrence is then named as the man of the match. Superb display.

16:48 , George Flood

76 mins: A kick from Smith doesn’t come off as Italy charge down and we then have a break in play as Capuozzo stays down in need of treatment.

Nothing serious though.

Watch: Arundell scores on Twickenham debut

16:47 , George Flood

16:45 , George Flood

72 mins: Also on along with Smith is Harlequins hooker Jack Walker, who makes his England Test debut in place of George.

Nick Purewal at Twickenham

16:44 , George Flood

London Irish superstar Henry Arundell’s tidy finish there caps a whirlwind return to the Test set-up, having had just 30 minutes of action with the Exiles since a foot injury that had him sidelined since October.

TRY! England 31-14 Italy | Henry Arundell 70'

16:43 , George Flood

70 mins: A try for Arundell on his Six Nations and Twickenham debut!

It’s cracking play from Mitchell, who drifts laterally and can’t be brought down as he draws in defenders before teeing up the London Irish speedster at the perfect moment with a terrific offload in the left corner.

A very tricky conversion attempt from Farrell bounces back off the post! 31-14 it remains.

Marcus Smith on for Henry Slade.

16:40 , George Flood

68 mins: Nick Isiekwe is on for Alex Dombrandt in another England change.

Cole’s brilliant scrummaging earns a penalty that is struck into touch on the edge of the Italy 22.

Borthwick will be keen for another score to put this game safely to bed.

16:38 , George Flood

15 minutes to go and England have gone right off the boil.

Is there a stunning comeback in this Italy side?

Watch: Fusco try gives Italy hope

16:37 , George Flood

TRY! England 26-14 Italy | Alessandro Fusco 63'

16:33 , George Flood

63 mins: There’s life in Italy yet!

Replacement scrum-half Fusco has been on the pitch for a matter of seconds after replacing Varney, but makes an immediate impact as he exploits a little dog-leg between props Vunipola and Cole to score Italy’s second try of a much-improved second half.

It was Menoncello who made the intial break for the Azzurri, cutting through the England defence.

Allan bangs over the conversion to bring Italy back within 12 points with just over 15 minutes to play at Twickenham.

They couldn’t, could they?

16:32 , George Flood

62 mins: Chances at both ends as Mitchell tries to race onto the ball but can’t bring down the fleet-footed Capuozzo near his own line.

Capuozzo then steps off the left wing in trademark style and finds the supporting Varney, who is brought down by an excellent tackle from Earl.

16:31 , George Flood

61 mins: Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell comes on for just his second England cap in place of Van Poortvliet.

16:29 , George Flood

60 mins: Lawrence leaves Allan in the dust with another superb break for England.

He looks to be hurtling to the line but Padovani manages to dislodge the ball with an important last-gasp tackle.

Italy then bravely try to run out from behind their own line before play comes back for the knock-on.

16:28 , George Flood

58 mins: It’s all been a bit scrappy on the pitch in the last few minutes, with an already bitty game being further disrupted by that raft of substitutions.

But England’s forwards remain dominant and Itoje wins an impressive breakdown turnover.

16:26 , George Flood

56 mins: Another nice moment at Twickenham as Jake Polledri comes on for Italy.

It’s his first Test cap since 2020 after a torrid time with injuries and personal tragedy off the field.

Lorenzo Cannone goes off.

16:24 , George Flood

55 mins: Try-scorer Riccioni is back on for Italy at scrum-time with replacement Ferrari in the bin for another five minutes yet.

Crowley also changes his other prop with Federico Zani on for Fischetti.

16:22 , George Flood

55 mins: More changes from England as the fit-again Henry Arundell makes his Six Nations and Twickenham Test debut in place of London Irish team-mate Hassell-Collins.

Both props have now been changed with Mako Vunipola and Dan Cole on for Genge and the bloodied Sinckler.

16:21 , George Flood

53 mins: A clever Farrell kick into touch in the Italy 22 puts the Azzurri under more pressure from their own lineout ball.

Jack Willis off to a standing ovation. 20 tackles in a monstrous return to the international scene for the Toulouse flanker.

Ben Earl on.

PENALTY TRY! England 26-7 Italy | 50'

16:17 , George Flood

50 mins: The referee awards a penalty try as England look to be going over from another lineout drive in the left corner.

It’s stopped illegally and replacement prop Ferrari, who has only just come on, earns an automatic yellow card.

Italy down to 14 men for the second time today.

16:15 , George Flood

48 mins: The colossal Negri brushes off an attempted hit from Genge, who is sat down by a drop of the hip.

Sinckler comes racing in on the follow-up but gets caught in the face by Genge’s trailing boot, leading to a wound that has blood pouring out and will require quick attention.

Dan Cole on and straight into another attacking England lineout deep in the Italy 22.

Italy have sent on both Simone Ferrari and Pierre Bruno, by the way.

Riccioni and Morisi off.

16:13 , George Flood

47 mins: Italy get another lift from a superb defensive effort as speedy breakdown work earns them a pressure-relieving penalty inside their own 22.

“Italy have their first points against England since 2021, thanks to Saracens’ Marco Riccioni’s try,” Nick Purewal notes.

“England cruised past the Azzurri 33-0 in Rome last season but the visitors here have returned in the second half in bullish fashion.”

Watch: Riccioni registers first Italy try

16:12 , George Flood

16:11 , George Flood

45 mins: Negri is desperate to land a major hit on Farrell as England launch a swift fightback from that first Italy score.

The duo tussle in ugly scenes on the deck after a big piledriver, with Chessum helping out his captain by rolling him into a dominant position before leaving him to it.

It’s eventually defused and no further punishment. It was a perfectly legal tackle from Negri, if a bit meaty!

TRY! England 19-7 Italy | Marco Riccioni 43'

16:07 , George Flood

43 mins: So much better from the Azzurri to start this second half!

They carry brilliantly and work through around 15 phases after a fine breakthrough from Capuozzo.

Hasell-Collins makes a great last-ditch intervention but can’t put him into touch.

Italy reset and go left, stay patient and Saracens tighthead Riccioni eventually goes over from close range.

Allan adds the extras. Italy on the board at last!

Second half underway

16:03 , George Flood

DJ James Haskell has been on the decks as the half-time entertainment!

Players are back out and the second 40 is underway at Twickenham.

Another blow for Italy with captain Michele Lamaro not coming back after that HIA and earlier knee injury.

A tough day in that back row.

16:01 , George Flood

Such a special moment for Jack Willis, who sustained that horrific knee injury in this same fixture at Twickenham back in 2021.

A long road back, but that no7 shirt should surely be his to keep moving forward.

15:56 , George Flood

Safe to say this won’t be changing this afternoon, bar a monumental collapse from England...

15:55 , George Flood

Domination from England, who have been very impressive so far.

Two new starters the standouts in that first half in Jack Willis and Ollie Lawrence, who have been ultra-physical.

Defensively much improved on last week, much to Kevin Sinfield’s joy.

Excellent up front, suffocating in the set-piece with a ruthless edge. Borthwick will be delighted.

But Crowley no doubt furious with Italy, who have been dreadful in most facets.

A pale imitation of the side that pushed France so close in round one.

Half-time

15:51 , George Flood

England 19-0 Italy

15:48 , George Flood

40 mins: Almost a last chance from Farrell but Italy survive and the half-time whistle sounds.

Watch: George goes over for dominant England

15:47 , George Flood

TRY! England 19-0 Italy | Jamie George 37'

15:45 , George Flood

37 mins: England score quickly again anyway.

George is exposed on the right-hand side of that ruthless driving maul, but centre Slade of all people joins in to offer extra protection and help shove his hooker over. You don’t see that every day!

Farrell’s conversion misses the target. 19-0 to England with half-time approaching.

NO TRY

15:43 , George Flood

36 mins: Lawrence was in front of the ball carrier there and accidentally clattered into Lamaro’s replacement Manuel Zuliani. Not deliberate but no try rules the referee.

But the respite is very brief indeed for Italy, with England quickly having another lineout maul going on the left-hand side of the pitch.

15:41 , George Flood

36 mins: Brilliant again from England!

Malins picks up the loose ball and fools a bamboozled Menoncello hook, like and sinker with a perfect dummy, stepping wonderfully and then teeing up Van Poortvliet for a simple finish.

But hang on, this will be checked by the TMO for possible obstruction noticed by the referee...

15:39 , George Flood

34 mins: Italy just cannot gain any territory whatsoever here or escape their own 22 for more than brief moments at a time.

A couple of teasing Farrell kicks either side of a Varney boot into touch put them under the cosh once more.

Hooker George tries to chase them down, with Padovani again making the key last-ditch intervention in the corner.

He’s done that several times already in this first half. Italy would be in a whole world of hurt without that alertness from the Benetton back.

Nick Purewal at Twickenham

15:38 , George Flood

Former Wasps flanker Willis has made 14 tackles in half an hour here – one for each point England have scored. Each hit has been pivotal in subduing the Azzurri, amid a vastly improved England defensive showing.

Watch: Chessum scores England’s second try

15:37 , George Flood

TRY! England 14-0 Italy | Ollie Chessum 29'

15:33 , George Flood

29 mins: England are in again!

Willis at the heart of it once more, brought down just shy of the line after another strong carry.

Genge looks like he is about to go over himself, before disguising a brilliant short pass right to towering lock Chessum as he goes down.

Chessum’s big frame dives over gleefully to register try number two, his first at Test level, which Farrell easily converts.

Plenty of positives for Borthwick in this opening half an hour. England are humming all of a sudden.

Yellow card: Lorenzo Cannone (Italy)

15:32 , George Flood

28 mins: Great take from Dombrandt at England’s latest lineout.

With a penalty advantage, Farrell aims a cross-field kick to Freddie Steward in the right corner, but Capuozzo intervenes to foil his fellow full-back.

The referee is tired of Italy’s constant ill-discipline inside their own 22 and number eight Lorenzo Cannone is sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes after that previous warning.

Another back-row issue after Lamaro’s HIA.

15:31 , George Flood

26 mins: Another Italy infringement during a lineout drive leads to a stern lecture from referee Doleman.

A yellow card beckons very soon if they can’t sort this out.

Nick Purewal at Twickenham

15:30 , George Flood

Jack Willis is this match’s outstanding performer so far, with the Toulouse flanker displaying all the reasons why England should build their back-row around him, frankly.

15:29 , George Flood

25 mins: This questionable Italian defence is creaking badly again and they are whistled for another infringement during England’s latest lineout drive.

England kick to touch in the 22 again. They want tries, not kicks at goal.

15:28 , George Flood

24 mins: Try-scorer Willis has been sensational for England so far today.

He nails Allan with a ferocious hit before getting straight up and withstanding huge pressure at the breakdown to get over the ball and win another England penalty.

The Toulouse flanker eager to make up for lost time!

15:27 , George Flood

23 mins: Italy captain Lamaro has been in the wars early on here and is now ordered off for a head injury assessment.

The visitors will not want to be without their inspirational skipper for long.

15:25 , George Flood

22 mins: Another scrum penalty goes England’s way and Slade arrows a long kick into touch.

Lawrence’s pure physicality is then demonstrated once again in a wincing collision with Lorenzo Cannone.

Italy eventually get a penalty after Malins is a little too eager, Allan kicking to touch down the left again.

15:24 , George Flood

20 mins: Superb defence from Willis and Dombrandt to shackle Italy loosehead Danilo Fischetti, holding him up and earning the put-in at the scrum.

Willis looks in superb nick on his return to the Test arena.

15:23 , George Flood

19 mins: Italy attack with an advantage after a couple of sloppy England infringements, including from Itoje.

We come back for Itoje’s error and Allan kicks to touch once more.

The lineout drive goes down, with Italy moving the ball right inside the 22 in search of a gap in the England defence...

Watch: Willis scores England’s first try

15:22 , George Flood

15:21 , George Flood

16 mins: A long delay in play as Lamaro continues to receive treatment for what looks like a painful knee issue.

He is desperate to stay on, as you might expect.

15:20 , George Flood

16 mins: Italy carry well in the middle of the park as they plot a swift response to that early Willis try.

England tackling well, including Itoje rushing out of the line to hit Azzurri skipper Lamaro, who is limping in considerable pain.

But they are then punished for not moving away and Italy have the penalty, which Allan will kick to touch down the left flank.

TRY! England 7-0 Italy | Jack Willis 13'

15:15 , George Flood

13 mins: Too easy!

England safely claim their own lineout ball deep inside the 22 and quickly form the drive, which easily spins to the right and Willis breaks off with a nice step to go over.

Woeful, non-existent defence from the Italians. Crowley will be furious.

Farrell adds the conversion. Brilliant to see that for Willis after such a torrid couple of years through injury.

15:14 , George Flood

11 mins: Number 8 Lorenzo Cannone is off his feet at the breakdown and the England fans back Farrell’s decision to kick to touch rather than take the points.

15:13 , George Flood

10 mins: England are pushed back at scrum-time there but they manage to get the ball out and Van Poortvliet leads another fast attack as another low kick turns Italy around.

An alert Padovani is again there to touch down in the dead-ball area.

15:10 , George Flood

8 mins: Italy under a lot of pressure early on here, but they do retain the ball after the scrum and Varney can successfully negotiate the exit into touch.

But here come England again, though that run is mistimed from Alex Dombrandt and the ball is spilled forward. We saw that a few times in the Calcutta Cup.

“Two impressive early interventions from Ollie Lawrence, both powerful carries, indicate the Bath star’s Test potential,” reports Nick Purewal.

“Now England need to cut out the cheap errors, like unnecessary knock-ons to get on the scoreboard here.”

15:08 , George Flood

6 mins: Dangerous again from England as Slade feeds powerful midfield partner Lawrence, who wins his collision once more in bruising fashion.

England attack with pace and menace, with Genge releasing Farrell with a terrific pass out the back.

Farrell aims an enticing kick towards the line and the run of Max Malins, who puts Padovani under enormous pressure.

The ball bobbles around in uncertain fashion before Padovani does eventually touch down behind his own line.

15:06 , George Flood

5 mins: After an initial reset, England get the shove on and Saracens tighthead Riccioni hits the floor under severe pressure from Ellis Genge.

Penalty England, who kick to touch.

15:05 , George Flood

5 mins: Signs of early promise from England and Lawrence in particular as they look to get over the gainline and get the ball moving quickly through the hands.

But a handling error stifles their momentum and Italy will have the put-in at the first scrum of the afternoon.

15:04 , George Flood

3 mins: A front peel at the lineout from Italy doesn’t quite come off.

They manage to retain possession, but it’s great work from England at the breakdown as they are forced back.

Italy are then whistled for sealing off.

15:02 , George Flood

2 mins: Capuozzo is crunched by Willis in an early message from the England back-rower.

Ollie Chessum lies on the deck after a tackle and impedes Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney, who makes sure the referee sees it.

Allan boots into touch for an Italy lineout midway inside the England 22.

KICK-OFF

15:00 , George Flood

We are underway at Twickenham!

Can England get the first win of the Steve Borthwick era, or will improved Italy spring an upset?

Harlequins fly-half Tommaso Allan kicks to get us off and running.

New Zealand’s James Doleman is today’s referee - his Six Nations debut after running the line in the Calcutta Cup last weekend.

Nick Purewal at Twickenham

14:59 , George Flood

Big day for Ollie Lawrence in England’s midfield. England’s search for an orthodox 12 might just settle on the Bath powerhouse.

But for that to happen he has to show Test quality at Twickenham today.

14:58 , George Flood

The usual burst of passion as the Italian anthem reaches its brilliant crescendo - is there a better one out there?

Captain Michele Lamaro looks bang up for this one, as ever.

14:56 , George Flood

Farrell sporting tape around his head as he leads England out on a grey afternoon at HQ, where the rain has been steadily falling.

It’s a mild day, though a packed house may still be glad for the heat from those pyrotechnics.

Time for the national anthems. First up the always rousing Il Canto degli Italiani, followed by God Save the King.

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham

14:49 , George Flood

England must kick-start both the Six Nations and the Steve Borthwick era at Twickenham today. Last weekend’s false start in a 29-23 defeat by Scotland has unhinged not only the Red Rose side’s new dawn, but also the midfield.

Marcus Smith drops to the bench, Owen Farrell plays fly-half for the first time since 2021, with Henry Slade holding the key to those changes given his distributive skills at 13.

Latest Six Nations standings

14:44 , George Flood

Here’s a look at the latest Six Nations standings before we close round two at Twickenham this afternoon and then take a week’s break before the third set of fixtures.

Top-ranked Ireland lead the way and look a decent bet for a pre-World Cup Grand Slam after that incredible 32-19 victory over defending champions France in Dublin yesterday.

But Scotland are right up there after making history with two straight bonus-point wins, thrashing miserable Wales at Murrayfield to follow-up their latest Calcutta Cup triumph.

14:35 , George Flood

Final preparations at a gloomy Twickenham!

England could seriously use a convincing win this afternoon - and I think they will get just that.

14:24 , George Flood

A glimpse into that England dressing room with kick-off now just over half an hour away...

Crowley encouraged by Italy growth

14:17 , George Flood

The continued absence of first-choice fly-half Paolo Garbisi is a clear issue for Italy with stand-in Tommaso Allan criticised for a mixed display against France that included two overly conservative kicks to touch in the dying minutes.

However, they are now a real attacking force to be reckoned with and aren’t afraid of taking risks as we saw in round one, particularly during the early stages.

In Toulouse’s Ange Capuozzo, the Azzurri boast World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year for 2022 and a dynamic, explosive finisher who could well be the sport’s next superstar.

“We gained confidence from it by pushing them close and the other thing we got from it was we weren’t accurate enough,” Crowley said of running France so close in a 29-24 loss in Rome.

“We had the realisation that if we were accurate, we could have had that game.

“Quite often in the past the Italians have accepted the fact that they get beat by these top teams, but the good thing on Sunday was that wasn’t there.

“There was a different feeling about it and that’s a real growth thing for me.”

Italy expecting ‘direct and unified’ England

14:05 , George Flood

England’s defence was sliced apart by Scotland and heavily criticised despite being marshalled by a proven expert in Steve Borthwick’s right-hand man Kevin Sinfield.

But Italy boss Kieran Crowley does not expect the same issues to plague the hosts today, believing England will be far more direct, unified and physical from the off.

“I think they will be a lot more direct and unified,” said Crowley.

“When a new coach comes in it takes a little bit of time. But they’ve had three weeks now, so I expect that defence will be a lot more solid.

“They’ll come at us direct and try to exert themselves on us from a physical presence point of view.

“So we have to beat that and attempt to be accurate in what we do and put the pressure back on them.”

Italy view on England’s Smith-Farrell conundrum

13:49 , George Flood

And what of the Italy view on the Smith-Farrell conundrum that is dominating discussion around the England side just at the moment with a World Cup looming in just seven months’ time?

Well, Azzurri coach Kieran Crowley insists he is none too bothered as his side look to focus on their own further improvements after an impressive 2022 and solid showing against France on opening weekend.

“It doesn’t matter to us that Farrell is playing 10 and Smith is on the bench,” said the former All Black.

“Farrell will play a more percentage game, I would think and they’ll use Smith later in the game to open it up.

“But we just concentrate on ourselves and we want to give a good account of ourselves.”

13:41 , George Flood

The England squad have arrived at Twickenham...

Borthwick: Marcus Smith has been brilliant

13:29 , George Flood

Marcus Smith can perhaps be forgiven for feeling a touch hard-done by to be the man dropped today, especially after some eye-catching moments against Scotland as the attack improved a lot on a dismal autumn series.

Though his frankly obscene number of carries and minimal metres gained point to an obvious over-arching problem, he was able to show bursts of creativity including that lovely cross-field kick for Max Malins’ first try.

Steve Borthwick insists that Smith - whom many see as the future of English rugby - took the news over his benching well as he adapts quickly to a new role for this week at least.

“Marcus has been brilliant; every player has been brilliant having the conversation around selection,” Borthwick said. “As a player, I have been in that conversation on the other side of it as well.

“I have been the one who has received it and I remember them – I remember the conversations when you are being told you’re selected, been told you’re captain, been told you’re not selected, you’re on the bench, whatever it may be. I have been in each of those situations and I have empathy for every player in that situation.

“What I want to build here is a squad with the England team where some players at different times will have a different role to play, but we are all moving towards building a team we want and that is what we want to do this week. We have got a team that I picked and I feel it is the right team for how I want to play against a specific opposition.”

Farrell back to stay at fly-half?

13:10 , George Flood

Incredibly, today’s game marks the first time that Owen Farrell has started at fly-half for England since the 2021 Six Nations.

Asked if he feels that being back at 10 is his captain’s best position in Test rugby, Steve Borthwick said this week: “ I feel this is a team that is right for this game and I feel blessed that we have got some fantastic fly-halves.

“Owen’s ability to play 10/12, Marcus is a player, Fin Smith has been in the squad, George Ford is back on the pitch.

“We have got some fantastic fly-halves in this country which is brilliant for the competition for places. We want that across the team.”

Borthwick explains Farrell/Smith decisions

13:02 , George Flood

Steve Borthwick inevitably faced several questions about the future of the Owen Farrell-Marcus Smith partnership after casting it aside for this afternoon’s game.

The new England boss was keen to reiterate again that he picks his teams specifically tailored to the opposition in question, so it seems unlikely that it’s the last we’ve seen of that playmaking axis.

Borthwick also hailed Ollie Lawrence’s brilliant Bath form and particularly the crucial return of Henry Slade, whose fitness and skill set allows him to remould that midfield division.

“I have decided to change that combination this week,” Borthwick said. “As ever when I pick a team I look at the plan we want to play against a specific opposition and certainly, that is what I have explained to the players, that that’s the way the team will be picked and that is the decision I made the way we want to play this week.

“It’s fantastic to welcome Henry Slade back. He is a player that has played very well, played well for his club [Exeter], has great attributes in the centre there, fantastic left foot which gives us another aspect, another strength to the team.

“Ollie Lawrence has played really well all season for his club and he is certainly a player on form, so we have got some exciting players there in the centre and that is why I decided to make the change.”

England vs Italy prediction

12:48 , George Flood

Nothing but a win will do for England today. Borthwick has claimed the team “weren’t good at anything” in the autumn under Jones, but that will be no excuse should his side be on the receiving end of a huge upset here.

The defensive set-up let England down against Scotland, for all there were signs of promise elsewhere on the pitch. The attack already looked to be clicking into gear and should enjoy further success against Italy.

Italy threatened to pounce on an incredibly ill-disciplined display from France, who gave up 18 penalties. England will surely not be so generous, while Italy’s awful record at Twickenham, and against England generally, remains a mental hurdle.

A fast start will be important for Borthwick’s side to ensure that no nerves build in the stands, and England showed enough in attack against Scotland to suggest they can produce that.

There may well be some sticky moments, but the first win of the new era should come in relatively comfortable fashion.

England to win, by 17 points.

Italy lineup with two changes from France clash

12:46 , George Flood

Meanwhile, Kieran Crowley makes two changes to the Italy team that started against France in Rome.

Saracens prop Marco Riccioni returns at tighthead, with Simone Ferrari dropped to the bench.

Versatile back Edoardo Padovani is also preferred to Pierre Bruno out on the right flank.

Gloucester flanker Jake Polledri comes onto the bench as he prepares to win his first Test cap since 2020 after injury hell.

Italy XV: Capuozzo; Padovani, Brex, Morisi, Menoncello; Allan, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni; N Cannone, Ruzza; Negri, Lamaro (c), L Cannone.

Replacements: Bigi, Zani, Ferrari, Iachizzi, Polledri, Zuliani, Fusco, Bruno.

England lineup with Smith-Farrell axis broken up

12:41 , George Flood

The headline team news from an England perspective is Owen Farrell moving back to fly-half from inside centre and Marcus Smith dropped to the bench, finally breaking up their polarising playmaking partnership... for now at least.

Farrell is supported by a new, intriguing midfield pairing of Bath’s Ollie Lawrence and the fit-again Henry Slade, who has shaken off a hip problem.

The third change to the XV that started against Scotland last weekend is at openside flanker, where Toulouse’s Jack Willis has had a full week of training after club commitments and is preferred to Ben Curry, who drops out of the squad altogether.

Alex Mitchell is picked over the vastly experienced Ben Youngs to back up starting scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and London Irish speedster Henry Arundell takes Anthony Watson’s spot on the bench after recovering from a foot injury.

England XV: Steward; Malins, Slade, Lawrence, Hassell-Collins; Farrell (c), Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Chessum; Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt.

Replacements: Walker, M Vunipola, Cole, Isiekwe, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Arundell.

How to watch England vs Italy

12:36 , George Flood

TV channel: England vs Italy is being broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1 in the UK, with coverage beginning at 2.15pm this afternoon.

Live stream: Fans can also catch all the action live online via the ITVX app or ITV website.

Welcome to England vs Italy LIVE coverage!

12:27 , George Flood

Good afternoon and welcome to the Evening Standard’s latest LIVE coverage of the 2023 Six Nations!

We’re at Twickenham today as a memorable round two of the competition concludes with a clash between England and Italy.

Steve Borthwick will be desperate to pick up his first win as Eddie Jones’ successor after an agonising, Duhan van der Merwe-inspired Calcutta Cup defeat on opening weekend, though a much-improved Azzurri team pose a far bigger threat than in years past.

Kieran Crowley’s men gave reigning Grand Slam champions France all they could handle seven days ago and came close to an upset in Rome.

They will be hunting further shocks with their all-out attacking game after stunning both Wales and Australia in a memorable 2022 that showcased their clear improvements.

Kick-off today is at 3pm GMT, so stay tuned for all the latest team news, match build-up and live minute-by-minute updates, plus expert analysis from Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal throughout the afternoon at English rugby HQ.