England interim coach Stuart Lancaster has opted to keep faith with the team that beat Scotland when his side face Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.
All Six Nations matches are being shown live on the BBC.
Lancaster’s first game in charge of England ended up in a win over Scotland at Murrayfield and he sees no reason to change a winning side, meaning the likes of Owen Farrell and Charlie Hodgson keep their place.
Northampton Saints duo Courtney Lawes and Tom Wood are still sidelined through injury, but if England continue to win then they may find it difficult to break back into the side.
Italy are not expected to be much of a test for Lancaster’s men, but they will be led by Serio Parisse with the number eight winning his 85th cap.
Head coach Jacques Brunel has opted to bring back Marco Bortolami and Gonzalo Canale at lock and inside centre respectively, while youngsters Antonio Pavanello and the uncapped Luca Morisi will start from the bench.
Italy tasted defeat last weekend when they suffered a 30-12 loss at the hands of France, while England saw off fierce rivals Scotland 13-6 at Murrayfield.
England are seen as firm favourites to win this game in a bid to keep the pressure on France and they can be backed at 1/4 with
Bet365, while the hosts are 10/3 with
BetVictor.
Italy have been handed an eight point start on the handicap market and can be backed at 10/11 with
Blue Square, while it is even money for England -7 with
Sportingbet.
If England find space on the outside they can cause Italy a lot of damage and wingers Chris Ashton (13/2
BetFred) and David Strettle (10/1
Stan James) look good value for the first try of the game, while Giovanbattista Venditti (14/1 Bet365) and Tommaso Benevento (20/1 BetFred) look strong for Italy.
