Maro Itoje has been promoted to England captain for the Six Nations, replacing Saracens team-mate Jamie George in the role.

Itoje, 30, led England to the Under-20 world title in 2014 but only stepped up to skipper Saracens this season in the wake of Owen Farrell's departure to France.

"I'm at a point in my career where I feel ready to give my all to serve the team and the fans with the captaincy, and also produce my best on the field," he said.

Hooker George and Bristol prop Ellis Genge will serve as vice-captains in Steve Borthwick's 36-strong squad.

In-form number eight Tom Willis is called up but Ben Spencer - who started the autumn as first-choice scrum-half - drops out to make way for Alex Mitchell's return from injury.

Leicester prop Dan Cole, 37, is also omitted, with his clubmate Joe Heyes and Sale's Asher Opoku-Fordjour brought in as tight-head options.

Bath's Ted Hill is selected with his clubmate Sam Underhill set to have surgery on an ankle injury while Harlequins wing Cadan Murley comes in to replace Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who is facing the possibility of an operation to fix a shoulder complaint.

Oscar Beard and Fraser Dingwall are the alternative midfield options to the first-choice pairing of Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade, but there is no place for Alex Lozowski.

Northampton's George Furbank is still out with a fractured arm, leaving Leicester's Freddie Steward as the sole specialist full-back, although Saracens' versatile back Elliot Daly and fly-half Marcus Smith are options in that position.

Sale loose-head prop Bevan Rodd, who partners Opoku-Fordjour in the front row at club level, fills the vacancy left by the retired Joe Marler.

"I've selected a squad where every player brings something unique to the group," said Borthwick.

"The Six Nations is always a fiercely contested and exciting tournament, and this year will be no exception."

England's Six Nations campaign begins away to defending champions Ireland on 1 February and their tough start continues when they take on France at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium seven days later.

England last won the title in 2020 but have not contended since then and finished third last season.

Borthwick's side endured a difficult autumn - losing to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in successive weeks - and in total they won five of their 12 games across 2024.

England's performance in the men's Six Nations will be the backdrop to a vote on the future of the Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney, which is set to be held in late March or April.