Six Nations 2022: England's Maro Itoje a doubt for Ireland game

England lock Maro Itoje is a doubt for their pivotal Six Nations match against Ireland at Twickenham after becoming unwell overnight.

England are «cautiously optimistic» Itoje will be available, but he will miss Friday's captain's run.

Forwards coach Richard Cockerill will not be at Twickenham after testing positive for Covid-19.

Joe Launchbury is England's second row option on the bench, with lock Nick Isiekwe left out of the squad.

Both teams need victory to keep their title chances alive.

Ireland have been the more impressive side so far in this Six Nations and their confidence will be boosted by a convincing home win last year.

England defeated Wales last time out but they are still trying to find the right formula in this tournament.

Their Six Nations home record remains strong, with 22 wins in 25 matches.

Head coach Eddie Jones believes Ireland start as «red-hot favourites» despite England winning four of the past five Six Nations encounters at Twickenham.

Ireland thrashed 12-man Italy in round three although they have triumphed just once in London since 2010 in this championship.

England have been boosted by the availability of flanker Tom Curry, who passed the return-to-play protocols after he sustained a head injury in the first half against Wales.

They make three changes, with Sam Simmonds starting at number eight and Alex Dombrandt on the bench after coming out of Covid isolation.

Jamie George replaces the injured Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker and Joe Marchant is preferred to Elliott Daly at centre, who drops to the bench.

Lock Launchbury is included among the replacements and could make his first Six Nations appearance in two years after recovering from a serious knee injury.

While Cockerill will miss the game, all the