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England change three for Italy with Maro Itoje named on bench

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Saracens' Maro Itoje, who can play at lock or flanker, could make his England debut on Sunday

England coach Eddie Jones has made three changes to his starting XV for Sunday's Six Nations visit to Italy - and Maro Itoje is set to make his debut off the bench.

Scrum-half Ben Youngs, loosehead prop Mako Vunipola and lock Courtney Lawes replace Danny Care, Joe Marler and Joe Launchbury respectively in the starting team.

Saracens star Itoje - who can play in the second row or back row - is named in an England 23 for the first time, and he will wait for his chance from the bench. He takes Ollie Devoto's place among the replacements, where there is a six to two split between forwards and backs.

Courtney Lawes of England runs at the Scotland defence
Image: Courtney Lawes (right) returns to the starting XV for the clash with Italy

Elsewhere, Jones has kept faith with the team which beat Scotland 15-9 at Murrayfield last weekend.

"We've made a few changes to the line-up for Italy. I believe this is the strongest 23 to go to Rome and get the performance and result we want," Jones said.

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Eddie Jones says changes to England's starting XV don't reflect on anybody's performance in their last match

"Mako, Ben and Courtney have been pushing hard for selection during training, but they also fit the game plan we want to implement against Italy. Danny, Joe Marler and Joe Launchbury will all have a significant role to play to finish the game.

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"It has been an intense week of training and I am pleased with how the group have responded to some of the things we've asked them to do.

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"Maro has consistently impressed me this week and, together with his excellent club form, has deserved his call up to the match-day squad. 

Saracens' Maro Itoje breaks past Oyonnax wing Dug Codjo (L)  to score
Image: Saracens' Maro Itoje is set for his England debut from the bench

"We are confident we can go to Rome and win, but we're in no doubt of the challenge we face. Italy took France very close last weekend in Paris so they'll be fired up.

"Josh Beaumont and Ollie Devoto will also travel with the squad to give them an opportunity to gain experience of Test match rugby."

Jack Nowell and Eddie Jones pose with the Calcutta Cup following their team's victory during the match between Scotland and England
Image: Jack Nowell and Eddie Jones (right) pose with the Calcutta Cup

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw,  7 James Haskell, 8 Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Maro Itoje, 21 Jack Clifford, 22 Danny Care, 23 Alex Goode.

What do you make of Eddie Jones' selection? Lawes for Launchbury? Mako starting? A change at scrum-half? How do you like the balance of the back row? Let us know your thoughts below or on Twitter with @SkySportsRugby

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