Itoje returns to captain England for Scotland Six Nations clash as Borthwick backs Townsend

Tue, Feb 10, 2026, 10:18 PM
AFP
by AFP
Captain Maro Itoje returns as one of two changes for England's Six Nations trip to Scotland. Photo: Getty Images
Captain Maro Itoje returns as one of two changes for England's Six Nations trip to Scotland. Photo: Getty Images

Captain Maro Itoje returns as one of two changes for England's Six Nations trip to Scotland on Saturday as Steve Borthwick's men look to build on a 12-game winning run.

Second-row Itoje started last weekend's 48-7 thrashing of Wales on the bench after missing the start of England's preparations for the tournament to attend his mother's funeral in Nigeria.

Watch every second of the 2026 Six Nations live and on demand via Stan Sport.

The 31-year-old replaces Alex Coles, while hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie comes in for Jamie George in Borthwick's only other change.

England are aiming to win the title for the first time since 2020 and made an impressive start at Twickenham.

Scotland's campaign got off to a disappointing start in losing to Italy in sodden conditions in Rome.

But the Scots have won the last two meetings between the sides at Murrayfield.

"Playing Scotland at Murrayfield is always a fantastic occasion and a challenge we are relishing," said Borthwick.

"We made a pleasing start to the Championship, but we understand that we must continue to raise our standards."

Fly-half Fin Smith replaces Marcus Smith among the replacements. But there is still no place for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who was forced out of the match against Wales with a muscle injury having initially been named in the starting 15.

Meanwhile, Borthwick insists under-fire Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend deserves to keep his job regardless of the result.

Former Scotland captain John Barclay said this week that if they fail to finish in the top three in the Six Nations then it "becomes a necessity to see a change" before the 2027 World Cup.

Townsend was unable to guide Scotland out of the group stage of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups and has never finished higher than third in the Six Nations during his nine years in charge.

But Borthwick said ahead of England's attempt to claim a first win at Murrayfield since 2020: "I think Gregor Townsend is a wonderful coach. I was told recently that he has the best win record of any Scotland coach in the professional era.

"The way he has coached the attack they have and the way they move the ball, when they do that they look terrific. I have immense respect for him as a coach and I find it surprising that people are not spending more time talking about Scotland rather than not supporting their coach.

England (15-1): Freddie Steward; Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Henry Arundell; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Guy Pepper; Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje; Joe Heyes, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge

Replacements: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith

Share
Jordie Barrett has backed Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to succeed at outside centre. Photo: Hugo Carr/NSW Waratahs Media
Barrett supports Suaalii switch as Wallabies star settles into centre stage
Hogtied Carter: All Black flyer celebrates special connection to Gold Coast club for Club Round Rugby
Axed Wallabies coach Dave Rennie's high road to a belated Rugby World Cup chance will come with New Zealand and add another layer to the rivalry. Photo: Getty Images
Historic Rennie appointment to add World Cup intrigue
Donaldson explains HIA chaos as Force set sights on danger man Tavatavanawai