TE’O AND CARE IN LINE FOR STARTS

DANNY CARE is poised to start for England for the first time since the Grand Slam-clinching win over France in Paris last March, while Eddie Jones is also set to include Ben Te’o for his full debut.

The national coach will name his side this morning, featuring a reshuffled back line, for the RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy at Twickenham on Sunday. Following the tense victory over Wales in Cardiff, Jones declared that he was ready to experiment for this home banker — and it appears that he will be true to his word — to an extent. While the pack will have a familiar look, there is a significant overhaul behind the scrum.

Care, 30, has become accustomed to playing the role of Ben Youngs’ understudy, with the Harlequins scrum-half among the replacements in his last 10 appearances for England. He has only started twice before under Jones.

In midfield, Te’o has had a powerful impact with two eyecatching cameos in the recent victories over France and Wales. Now, Worcester’s cross-code centre is to be deployed from the off, as Jones seeks to gauge his ability to blast holes in a fresh defence.

When Jones names his line-up this morning, Jonny May is likely to claim the wide berth ahead of Anthony Watson. The head coach is expected to ignore calls to start Jamie George at hooker, so Dylan Hartley continues as captain. James Haskell will be recalled to the back row for Jack Clifford.

Mike Brown carries on at fullback and he is relishing a catch-up with Mike Catt — Italy’s attack coach who previously worked as England’s skills mentor.

‘ He’s a really nice guy,’ said Brown. ‘I had a few texts from him around my 50th cap. He was kind enough to text me congratulations and sent a bottle of champagne to my hotel room.’

ENGLAND (probable): Brown; May, Te’o, Farrell, Daly; Ford, Care; Marler, Hartley, Cole; Launchbury, Lawes; Itoje, Hughes, Haskell.

TV: LIVE on ITV, Sunday at 3pm