England get additional options at centre and wing

England head coach Steve Borthwick has been given a boost in the backs department as he confirmed a 36-player squad for England’s Guinness Six Nations match against Italy.

England are looking to bounce back after an opening round defeat to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup, and will have both Henry Slade and Henry Arundel at their disposal.

“Henry Arundell and Henry Slade both return to the squad following injuries,” reads an RFU statement this evening.

“Borthwick’s side have reconvened at the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot as they prepare for Sunday’s game at Twickenham Stadium (3pm KO).”

With critics calling for a change in midfield, Slade could potentially be parachuted straight into contention.

Medium term injury concern Lawes’ has also returned to camp but is not available for selection for Italy.

“Courtney Lawes will again be in camp this week as he continues rehabilitation work.”

FULL SQUAD
FORWARDS
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 6 caps)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 96 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 10 caps)
Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 14 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 73 caps)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 19 caps)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 9 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 63 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 57 caps)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 75 caps)
Jack Walker (Harlequins, uncapped)
Jack Willis (Toulouse, 6 caps)

BACKS
Henry Arundell (London Irish, 3 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 102 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, 1 cap)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 8 caps)
Max Malins (Saracens, 15 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 14 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 52 caps)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 18 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 50 caps)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)
Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 52 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 122 caps)