The Head coach of England Steve Borthwick facing  difficulties  in selection  before his team’s First game.

England have never lost to Italy and are favourites to win.

Stalwarts Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola, Ben Youngs and Jonny May have retired from international duty, while several overseas players are ineligible for selection and former captain Owen Farrell is taking a break from Test rugby.