England vs Italy, Six Nations 2023: kick off time, TV channel, where to watch, team news, rosters, odds

An opening weekend defeat to Scotland was not the start the new head coach would have hoped for, and he has since underlined how important the necessary reconstruction is.

Time is not on their side though, with a World Cup looming on the horizon later in the year and more immediately a clash against an Italian side who showed great promise against France.

They led with 18 minutes left against the Grand Slam champions last weekend before they were eventually knocked out, but Italy will have taken real confidence from that display.

A loss to Scotland was disappointing and, despite all Italy’s improvements, another defeat at Twickenham would be absolutely disastrous for England.

England v Italy kick off date, time and venue

England v Italy wraps up the second weekend of Six Nations action, following Saturday’s two games.

The match is due to start at 3:00 p.m. GMT on Sunday February 12, at Twickenham in London.

How to watch England v Italy

TV channel: England v Italy is shown live and free on ITV1, with coverage starting at 2.15pm GMT.

Direct: Fans can also follow all the action live online via the ITVX app or the ITV website.

Live Blog: Follow all the action on Sunday with standard sports dedicated match blog.

England vs Italy Team News

Henry Slade is back in the England squad, having been named in the squad earlier this week after recovering from injury.

A hip problem kept him out of the Scotland clash but the Exeter center is back in the game and back in the squad with Henry Arundell, who has overcome a foot injury.

Slade’s involvement could mean one of Owen Farrell or Marcus Smith giving up, with the other getting the go-ahead at the opener. Courtney Lawes is not yet ready to return from a calf injury.

It remains to be seen when Paolo Garbisi will return for Italy. His absence against France was significant as he continues to recover from a knee injury, and Italy will be desperate to reunite with one of their key players in the squad.

Monty Ioane, Toa Halafihi, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Leonardo Marin and David Sisi are all currently unavailable.

Lineups England vs Italy

Lineups should be announced on Friday – check back then for all confirmed team news.

England vs Italy head to head (h2h) history and results

Italy have lost every game they have played against England and have never been closer to surprising Twickenham.

England win: 29

Italy win: 0

Draws: 0

England vs Italy prediction

Nothing but a win will do for England. Borthwick claimed the team “were no good” in the fall under Eddie Jones, but that won’t be an excuse if his team is the victim of a huge upset.

The defensive setup let England down against Scotland, for all there were signs of promise elsewhere on the pitch. The attack already seemed to be in motion and should enjoy further success against Italy, although questions remain over Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell playing together.

Italy threatened to pounce on an incredibly unruly display from France, who waived 18 penalties. England will surely not be so generous, while Italy’s terrible record at Twickenham, and against England in general, remains a mental obstacle.

A quick start will be important for the Borthwick side, to ensure there is no jitters in the stands, and England have shown enough attacking action against Scotland to suggest they can produce this. There may well be awkward moments, but the first victory of the new era should be relatively comfortable.

England win, by 17 points.

England vs Italy odds

England winner: 1/20

Italy win: 9/1

Draw: 50/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).