Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme and Tommy Freeman all start for England in this weekend’s Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
The Northampton quartet retain their places in a Saints-dominated backline, which is unchanged from England’s victory over France in their previous Guinness Six Nations match.
The 143rd meeting between England and Scotland kicks off at 4.45pm on Saturday 22 February, and will be broadcast live on ITV1.
Smith earns his ninth cap in the No.10 jersey, marking his second start for his country, while Mitchell, Freeman and Sleightholme will receive their 21st, 18th, and eighth international appearances respectively.
“We are looking forward to what will be another challenging and exciting match against Scotland,” said Borthwick. “The Calcutta Cup is a special fixture, and we are determined to perform to our very best in front of our supporters at Allianz Stadium.”
England side to face Scotland
Saturday 22 February 2025
Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 4.45pm (GMT)
15 Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 41 caps)
14 Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
13 Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)
12 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 71 caps)
11 Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
10 Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)
9 Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
1 Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 68 caps) – vice-captain
2 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 46 caps)
3 Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 47 caps)
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 90 caps) – captain
5 Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
6 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 58 caps)
7 Ben Earl (Saracens, 39 caps)
8 Tom Willis (Saracens, 3 caps)
Replacements:
16 Jamie George (Saracens, 98 caps) – vice-captain
17 Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 7 caps)
18 Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
19 George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
20 Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 12 caps)
21 Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 8 caps)
22 Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 12 caps)
23 Elliot Daly (Saracens, 70 caps)
