Why is Marcus Smith not playing for England in the Six Nations against Italy?

ENGLAND will face Italy this afternoon to kick off their 2024 Six Nations campaign.

Red Rose will travel to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome hoping to get off to a winning start to this year’s tournament – but they must do so without key man Marcus Smith.

Marcus Smith will not feature in England’s Six Nations openerGETTY

ITALY VS ENGLAND – SIX NATIONS 2024: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED

Why is Marcus Smith not playing for England against Italy?

Marcus Smith will not be available for selection for England’s Six Nations 2024 opener due to a calf injury.

The fly-half was seen leaving Red Rose’s training base in Girona on crutches on Monday.

Speaking on Tuesday, assistant coach Kevin Sinfield confirmed Smith’s absence for the Italy match: “He [Marcus Smith] won’t make this weekend sadly.

“It is a calf injury. We got the scan report through but we are waiting to understand exactly what that means for us moving forward.

“He’s not fit for this weekend. At the minute, we’re waiting for a second opinion on the scan. We will know more then.”

Veteran George Ford will take Smith’s position as fly-half for England’s tournament opener against Italy with the uncapped Fin Smith deputising from the bench.

There is concern that the 24-year-old could miss the whole of the Six Nations, which would be a huge blow to Steve Borthwick.

The England head coach has revealed that Smith will also miss next weekend’s showdown with Wales at Twickenham.

Speaking before the Italy match, he said: “Marcus will go back to England today (Thursday) and have further investigations later this week. He won’t be available next week.

“We’re not sure exactly when. Hopefully he will play in the latter part of the Six Nations, but it will be a number of weeks. We’ll know more next week.”