Maro Itoje will captain England from the bench as he begins the Six Nations opener against Wales, with Jamie George starting as captain from the outset.

England name an updated 23-player squad for the Wales opener, including Henry Arundell on the left wing for his first England start since the 2023 World Cup.

Itoje shifts to the bench after arriving from Nigeria for his mother’s funeral, with Alex Coles starting in the second row alongside Ollie Chessum and Ellis Genge and George Ford serving as vice captains as Itoje is expected to lead when he enters the fray.

Arundell’s selection adds pace to the backline, while Roebuck’s toe injury keeps him out since November, prompting changes across both backline and forwards.

Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman form the centre pairing, with Dingwall selected at 12 over Max Ojomoh and Seb Atkinson.

England confirms an all-Northampton centre pairing of Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman, with Ford and Alex Mitchell continuing as the half-back pairing; back row features Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, and Ben Earl.

Dingwall and Freeman form the starting centre partnership, with Dingwall earning the number 12 jersey ahead of competition from Ojomoh and Atkinson.

Replacements include Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Maro Itoje, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, and Marcus Smith to cover the match at Twickenham and beyond.

Head coach Steve Borthwick rotates the squad to keep first-team players available from the bench, demonstrated by including Tom Curry among the reserves.

Borthwick emphasizes the rivalry with Wales, the challenge of Wales’ kicking game, and the expectation of a packed Allianz Stadium for the opener.

Quotations from Borthwick highlight the rivalry, the Wales kicking threat, and the goal of delivering a strong performance in a full stadium.

England’s pack features Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum in the second row, Sam Underhill at openside, with Tom Curry in the Bomb Squad; the bench is forward-heavy due to injuries, including Bevan Rodd and Trevor Davison.