sport news Steve Borthwick confirms England squad to face Scotland in Six Nations opener trends now Manu Tuilagi is DROPPED from England's squad for their Six Nations opener, as Ollie Hassell-Collins prepares to make his debut... as Steve Borthwick makes wholesale changes ahead of Scotland clash Steve Borthwick has confirmed his England squad for the Six Nations opener The England coach has made significant changes throughout the squad Sale centre Manu Tuilagi was a surprise omission when the team was announced By James Cohen For Mailonline Published: 14:56 GMT, 2 February 2023 | Updated: 15:18 GMT, 2 February 2023 1 Viewcomments Owen Farrell will captain England in the Six Nations after head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed his 23-man squad for the start of this month's Championship. The new coach - who replaced former boss Eddie Jones in December - made a huge decision to leave out 31-year-old Sale centre Manu Tuilagi in favour of Joe Marchant. Borthwick has made eight changes to the squad from the autumn, with an all-new back row set to line-up against Scotland on Sunday. Meanwhile, winger Ollie Hassell-Collins will make his debut in the fixture after being named in Borthwick's squad following impressive displays for London Irish. Ben Curry will earn his second England cap at openside flanker after stepping in for injured brother Tom. Steve Borthwick has confirmed his 23-man squad that will face Scotland on Sunday Speaking on his decisions, Borthwick said: 'It is exciting, the competition for places in the back three, Hassell-Collins has been playing well, has power, speed, athleticism, Malins comes off the wing to find space and Steward's ability under the high ball and finishing is a real strength of his. 'Ben Curry has worked really hard for this chance and whenever they come along, sometimes it is due to injury, it is up to them to grab them. 'Ben Earl will come off the bench and is another who has been fighting for a chance. A lot of them have been fighting for a fair period of time and they've got their opportunity. 'I think Marchant at 13 works well with Marcus, great attacking kicks Marcus has, Owen has played well at 12 over many years. The Lions too.' On the bench, Jack Walker - who is yet to earn a cap - and Mako Vunipola will provide front-row cover. Max Malins will play out on the right wing, with Freddie Steward set to continue at full-back. Jack van Poortvliet will retain his position at scrum-half. Anthony Watson could make his first England appearance since 2021 after being recalled to the squad following Henry Slade's injury. The big talking point, however, will be Borthwick's decision to leave Tuilagi out of the squad entirely. Borthwick spoke his choice to leave Manu Tuilagi out of the squad, as he said: 'Manu was fit for selection. I look at combinations for specific games. 'Joe's work on the edge and cover ground defensively and Lawrence has played well this season and is on the bench too. I think you can see players playing well. 'I'm just picking a team for this week. There should always be good players not in the 23, we want depth in every position, players fighting for the shirt. 'You make a selection for this game against a specific opponent.' More to follow ENGLAND VS SCOTLAND SQUADS England: Steward; Malins, Marchant, Farrell (capt), Hassell-Collins; Smith, Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Chessum, Ludlam, B Curry, Dombrandt. Replacements: Walker, M Vunipola, Cole, Isiekwe, Earl, Youngs, Lawrence, Watson. Scotland: Hogg; Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Nel; R Gray, Gilchrist; Ritchie (capt), Crosbie, M Fagerson. Replacements: Brown, Bhatti, Berghan, J Gray, Dempsey, Horne, Kinghorn, Harris Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility