Maro Itoje has replaced Jimmy George as England captain ahead of the upcoming Six Nations campaign.
As Steve Borthwick on Tuesday revealed a 36-man training squad for his side's opening match away to Ireland on February 1, the head coach announced that Itoje will replace fellow Muslim striker George as captain.
The 30-year-old second row, who was also appointed captain of Saracens in August last year, becomes the 136th player to hold the permanent position, with George retaining a leadership role as one of the two vice-captains alongside Ellis Genge.
“With 88 England caps, Maro has been a central figure in this team for many years, bringing a huge amount of experience on and off the field,” Borthwick said.
“He is a calm and influential leader, known for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.
“His strong relationship with the team and coaches, combined with his leadership experience at Saracens, makes him ideally placed to take on this responsibility.
“I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding leadership of Jamie George, whose contributions as leader have been important and he will continue to play an important role as deputy leader.”
Jimmy George remains in a leadership role as Vice Captain
Itoje added: “I feel incredibly humbled and honored that Steve has asked me to captain England. It is truly an incredible honor for me and my family, and I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
“With this role comes a great deal of responsibility, but I am at a stage in my career where I feel ready to give everything I have to serve the team and the fans through the captaincy, as well as give my best on the pitch.
“It is reassuring to know that I have a group of senior players supporting me and helping to build on the achievements of Jamie, who has led the team brilliantly and who has been a great friend and leader for many years.
“I am excited about our squad of players, who are all hungry for success, and I look forward to leading them to the next Six Nations Championship.”
Borthwick recalls the untitled duo of Harlequins
Oscar Baird has impressed for Harlequins at the position this season
Borthwick has named Harlequins non-qualifiers duo Oscar Bird and Cadan Morley in the group he will work with at Pinehill Park and also in Girona, Spain ahead of his team's campaign.
Bird, 23, beat off competition from Bath's Max Ojomoh for a place in the team, having impressed for England A against Australia A in November.
Morley, who impressed at Queen's wing, was rewarded with a full call-up after scoring two tries for England A in the same match.
Kadan Morley scored two tries for England A against Australia A in November
England are missing winger Emmanuel Feyi-Waboso and full-back George Furbank, who are continuing their injury rehabilitation with the national team's medical staff.
Alex Mitchell makes an expected return after injury, with Harry Randall and Jack van Poortvliet named as other options in the half for the gig.
Saracens striker Tom Willis, who also featured for England A in November, has earned a call-up as he seeks to build on the one England cap he earned in 2023.
Tom Willis will be looking to add to his previous caps for England
England lost five successive Tests – spanning a Test tour of New Zealand last summer and an autumn international against the All Blacks, as well as Australia and South Africa – before returning to winning ways in the final round against Japan.
Borthwick added: “I have chosen a squad where each player brings something unique to the group.
“The Six Nations is always an exciting and hotly contested tournament, and this year will be no exception.
“We are looking forward to getting the team together in Girona to begin our preparations for the opening challenge against Ireland in Dublin.”
England national team training
Attackers: Finn Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chisum (Leicester City), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dunne (Sarcenes) . ), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Salems), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jimmy George (Salems), Joe Hayes (Leicester City), Ted Hill (Bath), Maro Itoje (Salems), George Martin (Leicester City). ), Asher Opoku Fordjour (SEAL), Bevan Rudd (SEAL), Will Stewart (BATH), Tom Willis. (Muslims).
Their backs: Oscar Bird as Harlequins, Elliot Daly as Saracens, Fraser Dingwall as Northampton, George Ford as Seale, Tommy Freeman as Northampton, Ollie Lawrence as Bath, Alex Mitchell as Northampton, Cadan Morley as Harlequins, Harry Randall. (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ollie Slitholme (Northampton), Finn Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequin), Freddie Steward (Leicester City), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester City).
Six Nations 2025 matches: England
- February 1: Ireland (A)
- February 8: France (h)
- February 22: Scotland (h)
- March 9: Italy (H)
- March 15: Wales (A)
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