- England head coach Steve Borthwick named his squad to face Italy on Sunday
- Smith was dropped while there are three changes compared to Scotland’s clash
Marcus Smith’s hopes of winning back the England No 10 shirt and challenging for the same role with the Lions lay in ruins last night, as he was dropped by Steve Borthwick.
A month after going into the Six Nations as his country’s established, pre-eminent fly-half, the 26-year-old was demoted from the starting XV, having been shifted to full-back for the recent wins over France and Scotland.
With Fin Smith seizing his chance as the primary playmaker, Saracens veteran Elliot Daly has been preferred by Steve Borthwick as the last line of defence against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.
However, Marcus Smith is not the only high-profile victim of England’s back-line reshuffle.
As first revealed by Mail Sport, Exeter centre Henry Slade was also cast aside – going from the first-choice midfield to being out of the match-day 23 entirely.
His place has been taken by Fraser Dingwall, who becomes the fifth Northampton back in Borthwick’s side, along with Fin Smith and half-back partner Alex Mitchell, plus wings Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme.
Marcus Smith has been dropped to the bench for England’s Six Nations home game against Italy
Henry Slade has also been left out of the England squad for Sunday’s game
England head coach Steve Borthwick has revamped his side’s faltering back line
