Borthwick omits veteran trio from Six Nations squad

Elliot Daley, Dan Cole, Max Malins and Ben Curry were included in England coach Steve Borthwick's Six Nations squad on Monday having been dropped by Eddie Jones but there was no place for wingers Jonny May and Jack Nowell or number eight Billy Vunipola.

Veteran prop Cole's last match was the World Cup final defeat by South Africa in 2019 but his set-piece form at Leicester, where Borthwick coached until replacing Jones at England last month, has earned the 35-year-old a recall.

Flanker Ben Earl and back Joe Marchant were also recalled into the 36-man squad having been rejected by Jones, who was named earlier on Monday as the new Australia coach.

There is a first call up for Northampton Saints flyhalf Fin Smith, alongside four other uncapped players - Ollie Hassell-Collins, George McGuigan, Cadan Murley and Jack Walker.

Courtney Lawes returns following injury but Borthwick is yet to name a captain, with Owen Farrell taking over the duties from Lawes in the November internationals.

"This is an exciting squad, with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent, and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership," Borthwick said.

"I know the players can't wait to get back to Twickenham and give our fans a performance they can be proud of. The hard work for the Scotland game starts now."

England begin their campaign at home to Scotland on 4 February, before hosting Italy a week later. They will then travel to Cardiff to take on Wales, host France and finish off away to Ireland on 18 March.

England squad

Forwards

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 95 caps)

Ben Curry (Sale Sharks,1 cap)

Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 9 caps)

Ben Earl (Saracens, 13 caps)

Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 43 caps)

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