In Video: Marcus Smith dropped by England for Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy

England Name Team to Face Italy in Six Nations Showdown, Marcus Smith Dropped to the Bench

Breaking News: Changes in England’s Backline and Front Row Ahead of Twickenham Clash

England have announced their team to face Italy at Twickenham on Sunday, with a couple of surprises in store for the fans. Marcus Smith, who has been playing out of position at fullback, has been dropped to the bench, making way for Elliot Daly, a specialist fullback. Meanwhile, Fraser Dingwell comes in at center, replacing Henry Slade, and Jamie George starts at hooker, earning his 100th cap.

The team in full to face Italy is: Elliot Daly at fullback, Tommy Freeman on one wing, Ollie Lawrence and Dingwell in the centers, and Finn Smith continuing at 10, with Alex Mitchell at nine. The front row sees Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Tom Willis.

Marcus Smith’s Demotion and the Reasons Behind it

Marcus Smith’s demotion is a significant decision by head coach Steve Borthwick, who has been trying to find a way to get both Smiths, Finn and Marcus, on the pitch at the same time. However, the experiment hasn’t quite worked, with Marcus being played out of position as a fullback. As a specialist fly half, he requires a different set of skills, which aren’t being utilized in his current role. Daly, with his experience as a fullback, is best placed to fill the position.

Changes in Midfield and the Future of England’s Game Plan

The change in midfield is also an interesting one, with Fraser Dingwell coming in to start alongside Ollie Lawrence. Henry Slade, who was initially expected to start, is reportedly fit, but the coaches have decided to mix things up. This could signal a shift in England’s game plan, with a desire to play more conventional rugby, rather than trying to run the ball from every scrum and lineout.

A Late Saturday Decider Requires an Improvement in Performance

England’s performance against Scotland was underwhelming, and they’ll need to improve against Italy to seal their place in the Six Nations final. They’ll need France to do them a favor by beating Ireland, but not too much of a favor, as the bonus point system comes into play. The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of Six Nations action, with a huge match on the cards at Twickenham on Sunday.

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