Maro Itoje's England will face a tough start to this year's Six Nations campaign as they take on Ireland in what is set to be one of the standout matches of the first round.

After last year's dramatic match-up, in which England defeated Ireland 23-22 at Twickenham during the 2024 Championship—after their dreams of back-to-back Grand Slams were dashed in the last second—the Irish will be looking to take revenge and kick off their campaign with a win.

With England's more recent shaky form and a string of narrow defeats, Steve Borthwick is under pressure to deliver some solid performances, only winning five of the last 12 test matches.

But Borthwick couldn't have wished for a tougher start to the tournament with a frightening trip to play the favourites at their home in Dublin followed by a tough match-up with the French at Twickenham. The Irish are particularly fired up with the reigning champions looking to be the first team in history to win three consecutive Six Nations titles.

The Irish are without their former leader Andy Farrell, who has handed the reigns over to Simon Easterby as he focuses on preparing the Lions for this summer's Australian tour.

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When is Ireland vs England?

The match will kick off at 4.45pm GMT on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

How to watch Ireland vs England

On TV: Saturday's match is being broadcast live on ITV1 with the show beginning at 4pm GMT, 45 minutes before the official kick-off time.

Viewers will also be able to tune in online, with live coverage available via ITVX which is free to register.

Ireland vs England line-ups

Ireland XV: Keenan, Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe, Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Bealham, Ryan, Beirne, Baird, Van der Flier, Doris (c)

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Clarkson, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw

England 15: Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Slade, Murley; M Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart; Itoje, Martin; T Curry, B Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Heyes, Chessum, Cunningham-South, Willis, Randall, F Smith.

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Ireland vs England history and head-to-head results

Last year's dramatic England win ended a run of four defeats against Ireland although in terms of Six Nations match-ups, the white wall has had less success in recent years. England haven't scooped a win against Ireland in Dublin since Eddie Jones led the side to a win in 2019.

Ireland wins: 53

England wins: 81

Draws: 8

Ireland vs England match odds

Ireland to win: 2/5

England to win: 2/1

Draw: 20/1

Odds via Skybet (subject to change).

Ireland vs England team news

The Ireland camp has tried to squash fears over Sam Prendergast's injury concerns after he wore strapping during their last training session in Portugal on Monday. However, backs coach Andrew Goodman claimed it was caused by a dead leg.

Ireland has also been dealt an injury blow with star tighthead prop Tadgh Furlong dealing with a recurring calf injury he picked up in Portugal, just months after he missed the whole autumn series with a hamstring issue.

Hooker Dan Sheehan and wing James Lowe have been given the all-clear and are back fit to give a major boost for Easterby.

Meanwhile, Harlequins star Cadan Murley has gained a spot, marking his debut after Ollie Sleightholme has been battling a knock. Tom Roebuck will also be on the left wing while Immanuel Feyi-Waboso recovers after shoulder surgery.