Eight uncapped players in England Six Nations squad against Italy

Eight uncapped players have been called up for the England squad to meet Italy at the Six Nations.

A string of injuries has ruled out Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and Elliot Daly. James Haskell and Joe Marler are also unable for selection as both will be serving a ban for the opener, which takes place on 4 February.

The absences have allowed for a wave of international first-timers to be selected including Bath number eight Zach Mercer, Harlequins' 20-year-old prop Lewis Boyce, Exeter front-rower Alec Hepburn and Newcastle flanker Gary Graham among the uncapped inclusions.

The other rookies selected are Northampton full-back Harry Mallinder, Saracens winger Nathan Earle, Bath hooker Tom Dunn and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith.

England’s Six Nations fixtures

Sunday 4 February      Italy (a)

Saturday 10 February Wales (h)

Saturday 24 February Scotland (a)

Saturday 10 March     France (a)

Saturday 17 March     Ireland (h)