Italy v England, Six Nations 2024: Kick-off time, how to watch and latest news
England start their Six Nations campaign with an away trip to face Italy in Rome but will be without Marcus Smith because of a calf problem while Alex Mitchell has been unable to train with the rest of the team this week due to an infected wound in his leg.
George Ford and Danny Care are expected to form the half-back pairing, with debuts handed to Fraser Dingwall and Ethan Roots.
Steve Borthwick is hoping to lead England to their first Six Nations title since 2020 and will not be disappointed to start the tournament against a side to whom they have never lost.
When is Italy v England?
The match is on Saturday, February 3 and will kick off at 2.15pm GMT.
Where is Italy v England?
England and Italy will face each other at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The 70,000-seater stadium has served as home for the Italian national team since 2012.
How to watch Italy v England on TV
The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and on Virgin Media in the Republic of Ireland.
Who is the referee?
The match will be refereed by New Zealand native Paul Williams.
How to get tickets to Italy v England
You should consult the England and Italy union websites for information about tickets to matches. Availability will vary greatly depending on which fixture you are hoping to get tickets for.
What is the latest England team news?
George Ford looks to have won the starting fly-half role ahead of the uncapped Fin Smith and is set to partner veteran scrum-half Danny Care against Italy on Saturday.
Telegraph Sport understands that England head coach Steve Borthwick had been planning on starting Marcus Smith, only for the Harlequins playmaker to suffer a calf injury on Monday. That left it as a straight shootout between the 91-capped Ford and Smith, Northampton Saints’ precocious 21-year-old, and experience won out over form. Smith would make his debut if he comes off the bench against Italy.
The midfield will be made up of Northampton’s Fraser Dingwall, who makes his long-awaited England debut at inside centre, and Henry Slade, who missed out on selection for the World Cup. There’s further Northampton representation in the back three in the form of wing Tommy Freeman, alongside full-back Freddie Steward and wing Elliot Daly.
Expected England team: F Steward; E Daly, H Slade, F Dingwall, T Freeman; G Ford, D Care; J Marler, J George, W Stuart, M Itoje, O Chessum, E Roots, S Underhill, B Earl
When did England last win the Six Nations?
England have not won the Six Nations since 2020, when aside from a loss to France in Paris they won all their matches. You have to go back to 2016 for the last time England won a Grand Slam.
What was the score last year?
England beat Italy 31-14 in last year’s Six Nations. Following an opening-round 29-23 loss to Scotland, the win at Twickenham represented the first of Steven Borthwick’s time in charge.
What are the latest odds?
England 1/8
Italy 10/1
Draw 50/1
Odds correct on January 31
