ENGLAND will face Italy this afternoon to kick off their 2024 Six Countries marketing campaign.
Purple Rose will shuttle to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome hoping to get off to a successful begin to this 12 months’s event – however they will have to accomplish that with out key guy Marcus Smith.
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ITALY VS ENGLAND – SIX NATIONS 2024: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED
Why is Marcus Smith no longer enjoying for England towards Italy?
Marcus Smith may not be to be had for variety for England’s Six Countries 2024 opener because of a calf damage.
The fly-half was once noticed leaving Purple Rose’s coaching base in Girona on crutches on Monday.
Talking on Tuesday, assistant trainer Kevin Sinfield showed Smith’s absence for the Italy fit: “He [Marcus Smith] would possibly not make this weekend unfortunately.
“This can be a calf damage. We were given the scan record thru however we’re ready to know precisely what that suggests for us shifting ahead.
“He isn’t are compatible for this weekend. On the minute, we are looking ahead to a 2d opinion at the scan. We can know extra then.”
Veteran George Ford will take Smith’s place as fly-half for England’s event opener towards Italy with the uncapped Fin Smith deputising from the bench.
There may be worry that the 24-year-old may pass over the entire of the Six Countries, which might be an enormous blow to Steve Borthwick.
The England head trainer has printed that Smith will even pass over subsequent weekend’s showdown with Wales at Twickenham.
Talking earlier than the Italy fit, he stated: “Marcus will return to England as of late (Thursday) and feature additional investigations later this week. He received’t be to be had subsequent week.
“We’re no longer positive precisely when. Optimistically he’ll play within the latter a part of the Six Countries, however it’s going to be quite a lot of weeks. We’ll know extra subsequent week.”
When is Italy vs England?
- The fit kicks off on TODAY, Saturday, February third.
- Get started time is two.15pm GMT.
- They face the Italians on the 70,000-seater Stadio Olimpico in Rome, house to the Italian Nationwide group since 2012.
What TV channel is Italy vs England on and will it’s are living streamed FREE?
- Italy vs England will likely be broadcast survive ITV1.
- You’ll are living circulation the fit for FREE by way of the ITVX app/website online.
- On the other hand, you’ll be able to practice SunSport’s are living weblog to stay up-to-the-minute with the entire motion.
