Maro Itoje is frontrunner to replace Jamie George as England captain for Six Nations as Steve Borthwick considers huge change in leadership
Maro Itoje is in contention to take over as England captain for the upcoming Six Nations campaign.
Steve Borthwick names his squad on Tuesday lunchtime and there are understood to have been discussions about a change in leadership.
Experienced hooker Jamie George has led the side since the 2023 World Cup but there are doubts about whether he is still a nailed on starter in the XV.
George was frequently subbed off in the final quarter of England’s Tests in 2024 and watched from the sidelines as his side suffered late defeats.
Luke Cowan-Dickie has been the Premiership’s in-form hooker and could well start against Ireland in Dublin.
Itoje is one of England’s most consistent players and has also taken on the role of captain at Saracens this season.
Maro Itoje is in contention to take over as England captain for the Six Nations campaign
Jamie George has led the side since the 2023 World Cup but there are doubts over his place
Steve Borthwick names his squad on Tuesday and a change of leadership has been discussed
Writing in his Mail Sport column, Sir Clive Woodward has already called for a change in leadership, saying: ‘George can still play a big role in this England side and is hugely respected within the England team, but he isn’t at the top of his game.
‘I don’t think he should be captain. Why? Because he never plays 80 minutes.’
Itoje has never been England’s squad captain but he has long been feted as one of the team’s biggest standard bearers on the pitch.
England’s Six Nations campaign begins with a trip to Ireland on Saturday February 1, before returning to Twickenham to face France a week later.
