Six Nations 2022: Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes could feature for England against Wales

England head coach Eddie Jones hopes centre Manu Tuilagi and potential captain Courtney Lawes will return from injury in time for the side's Six Nations game against Wales.

Jones' team renewed their title hopes with a 33-0 win against Italy in round two and face Wales on 26 February.

The head coach hopes flanker Lewis Ludlam and lock Joe Launchbury will be ready for the Twickenham encounter too.

«Potentially we'll have Launchbury, Tuilagi, Lawes and Ludlam,» Jones said.

After a disappointing opening loss to Scotland, England's bonus-point win in Rome moved them second in the Six Nations table.

With France the only unbeaten side in the tournament, the experience brought by England's returning players could prove vital if they are to challenge for the title.

Tuilagi has impressed for Sale since returning from a torn hamstring, while Lawes — previous favourite to take over the captaincy in Owen Farrell's absence — has been recovering from a concussion sustained while playing for Northampton on 16 January.

Launchbury has been back in action for Wasps after a knee operation and was briefly called into the England squad ahead before the Italy game but was then released again.

Compared to Launchbury's nine-month lay-off, Ludlam's rib injury sustained in the loss to Scotland has been a short-lived issue.

«We'd be hopeful that by the end of next week Courtney will be training fully,» continued Jones, who made Tom Curry captain for the first two games.

«He's making some great progress and the medical staff have done some terrific work with him.

»He's not far away now and we're really hopeful he'll be back in full training and able to play against Wales."

Tuilagi has long been key to England's midfield, with the side struggling to find a