Six Nations 2017: England omit Jonathan Joseph from squad to face Italy

Jonathan Joseph has been omitted from England’s squad to face Italy on Sunday, with Elliot Daly likely to return to his preferred No13 jersey following his match-winning try against Wales.

Joseph played at outside-centre against France and Wales and has started all but one of Eddie Jones’s 15 matches in charge, scoring a hat-trick against Italy in Rome last year. Ben Te’o is in the frame for a start at inside-centre if Owen Farrell moves to fly-half on his 50th England appearance.

Anthony Watson is also in the 24-man squad but having not featured for England since last June, may have to settle for a place on the bench. Henry Slade, who impressed for Exeter at the weekend, is also retained but may find himself the 24th man, as was the case against Wales.

Up front, Tom Wood, Jack Clifford and James Haskell are all in contention for back-row spots while Mako Vunipola will play some part, having recovered from a knee injury.