Another injury as England limp into Six Nations opener

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed his 36-man squad for this weekend’s Six Nations opener against Scotland.

England will take on Scotland in the historic Calcutta Cup at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, February 4.

Henry Slade has withdrawn from the squad with a hip injury sustained in Exeter Chief’s game against Castres, before last week’s training camp, and has not recovered sufficiently to be available for selection

Jamie George has been named in the squad and will continue to work through his Graduated Return to Play protocols. Anthony Watson has also been recalled following injury.

The squad has reconvened Sunday at the England Rugby Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot to prepare for Saturday’s fixture.

Borthwick said: “This is a very important week for us as we prepare for our first game against Scotland.

“We know that Scotland is an excellent side with a great coaching team led by Gregor Townsend. They’re a settled squad who have been together a long time and have dominated this fixture in recent seasons.

“They will be coming to Twickenham full of confidence.

“We know we have a lot of work to do. The team trained very hard last week and are ready to go again this week. We can’t wait to run out at Twickenham again in front of our incredible supporters.”

Slade and Courtney Lawes will also be in camp this week to continue rehab work.

England 36-man squad:

FORWARDS

Ollie Chessum , Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Tom Dunn, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Lewis Ludlam, David Ribbans, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis

BACKS

Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Dan Kelly, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs