Marcus Smith took his demotion on the chin according to boss Steve Borthwick – who then handed the Harlequin a licence to thrill against Italy on Sunday, if he gets on. The benched 26-year-old has paid the price for defensive lapses in England’s 16-15 win over Scotland and his side’s inability to get him involved in attack.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his 23-man England squad to take on Italy in the fourth round of the Six Nations Championship.

Steve Borthwick himself; so, stay tuned. England still are in with a chance of winning the Six Nations - and, really, from here, the expectation is that they will finish at least second. If England defeat both Italy and Wales in the final two rounds,

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) -England have dropped Marcus Smith for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham with Elliot Daly replacing him as coach Steve Borthwick makes three changes to the line-up that began the narrow victory over Scotland.

England coach Steve Borthwick has dropped Marcus Smith from his starting side for the Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday. With Fin Smith retained at fly-half in the team announced by Borthwick on Wednesday,