ELL FIRES ENGLISH JOY OF 6

England v Italy Twickenham, 2.15pm

ENGLAND return to the scene of their Calcutta Cup calamity saying their self-belief is intact and they can still retain the Six Nations.

Eddie Jones’ team take on tournament whipping boys Italy at Twickenham with full-back Elliot Daly (above) warning: “These competitions aren’t won on the first weekend.

“We know we can turn it around so this is a good opportunity to really fly into it and see where we can put ourselves.”

A year ago England were well beaten by France in their opening game but bounced back to lift the championship trophy.

Flanker Tom Curry said: “It’s never nice to lose but it’s one game, the tournament is still all there to push for. If it takes losing that game to learn more about ourselves and push forward then all the better.”

Defence coach John Mitchell insists losing to Scotland at home for the first time since 1983 did not damage self-belief.

“Our confidence is fantastic and we have focused on having a far better attacking mindset,” he said. “Why wouldn’t you keep faith in people that have been outstanding and consistent? There is no need for us to have a victim’s mindset.

“From my point of view it’s not about [players] repaying [faith] or anything like that – that’s desperate talk as far as I’m concerned. When you are a competitor and a team that sets high standards, it’s about taking the opportunity to respond.”

THE FA have revealed Nathaniel Mendez-laing served a three-month ban after testing positive for cocaine.

Mendez-laing’s sacking at Cardiff had been shrouded in mystery. But the winger (above), now at Middlesbrough, failed a drugs test after playing at Bristol City on July 4.

The B-sample confirmed the result the following month and he was dumped by Cardiff on the eve of the new season.

Mendez-laing, 28, who was suspended from August 14, said in a statement: “I want to leave that period of my life in the past where it belongs.

“I’m excited about the future and delighted to be back doing what I love.”