Get ready for a rugby revolution! England's Six Nations 2026 squad is in for a dramatic overhaul as they gear up to face Italy this Saturday. Head coach Steve Borthwick is pulling no punches, planning a complete transformation of his backline in a bold bid to turn their campaign around. But here's where it gets intriguing: due to two injuries and a strategic role shift, every single position in the backline could see a new face compared to their last clash with Ireland. Is this the shake-up England needs, or a risky gamble?
Northampton’s rising star, Fin Smith, is tipped to step into the fly-half role, replacing the seasoned George Ford. Meanwhile, Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson is poised to make his mark as England’s inside centre in Rome. And this is the part most people miss: with Ollie Lawrence sidelined by a knee injury, Tommy Freeman is expected to shift from the wing to the midfield, a position he’s familiar with. This domino effect means Tom Roebuck is likely to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, while Cadan Murley is rumored to take over on the other wing, replacing Henry Arundell.
Now, here’s where it gets controversial: the full-back position is up for grabs. George Furbank was initially favored, but whispers suggest Marcus Smith or Elliot Daly might edge out Freddie Steward, who was substituted during England’s 42-21 loss to Ireland. Should Borthwick stick with Steward or take a chance on a new face? With scrum-half Alex Mitchell injured, Ben Spencer is set to step up, adding another layer of change to the lineup.
England veteran Danny Care has weighed in, praising Daly’s experience as a potential game-changer in high-pressure situations. “He’s got a big left boot and a stellar aerial game,” Care told Rugby Union Weekly. “He’s been there, done that in the biggest Test matches.” With 74 caps and three British and Irish Lions tours under his belt, Daly’s resume speaks for itself. But is experience enough to turn the tide for England?
As Borthwick rolls the dice on this revamped squad, one thing’s for sure: this match against Italy will be a defining moment for England’s Six Nations journey. What do you think? Are these changes a masterstroke or a risky experiment? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
