Itoje in race to return as Lawes is ruled out

England are hoping to rush back Maro Itoje against Italy after Courtney lawes joined their casualty list. lawes was helped off in the 77th minute of Saturday’s defeat by Wales before being sent for MRI scans on his calf which yesterday ruled him out of the rest of the tournament. But coach Eddie Jones hopes the blow will be softened by the return of Itoje (below) from injury. ‘We’ve lost three of our best forwards and we’ve got to be able to cope with that,’ said Jones. ‘Maro might be a chance against Italy. I might have to give him the hurry-up, because we’ve potentially lost Courtney. ‘I’ll pick a side to do the job —that was always going to be the case.’ England’s grand Slam bid is over but Jones has not given up on winning the Six nations title. after a training session with georgia this week, they round off their campaign with home games against Italy and Scotland. ‘To me, the championship is about the championship,’ Jones said. ‘grand Slams are like when you go to buy a car and you get tinted windows — it’s an added extra. ‘We can’t get the added extras now but we can still win the Six nations.’ Kyle Sinckler’s lack of discipline was highlighted after the match. The prop undid a strong performance with two costly penalties. Warren gatland said the youngster needs to address his ‘demons’, but Jones stepped in to defend the tight-head. ‘I think trying to single him out and trying to make a villain of him will do him a disservice,’ said Jones. ‘He’s a very good young player, he’s got under 20 caps and he’s playing in one of the most difficult positions on the field. ‘give the boy a chance. like everyone we all make mistakes, but he’ll be all right.’ England were in no mood to revisit their harrowing defeat on Saturday night, requesting that televisions showing replays of the match were turned off in the post-match function. Highlights of that day’s match are always shown on screens at the formal dinner in the Principality stadium, whether Wales have won or lost, but Sportsmail understands England asked for the footage to be stopped. It was the fourth time in a decade they have been ahead at the break against Wales and lost. So when they finally do review the game it will be a painful watch.