England skipper Maro Itoje will miss the entire summer slate, a move Borthwick says is very realistic. Itoje, who earned 102 caps, was omitted from the training squad before the Nations Championship. England will start with a non‑capped test against a France XV in Vannes, followed by matches with South Africa, Fiji and Argentina. Ahead of the challenging summer campaign today.

Borthwick confirmed that Itoje has been in talks about rest after a taxing year that saw a Lions tour, a demanding Six Nations and personal loss. He noted Itoje is fully on board with the plan, but the final call will come after the Vannes match and the Premiership final. The decision hinges on player welfare and match demands today.

With Itoje sidelined, England will rely on a fresh backline featuring Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Max Ojomoh and Noah Caluori. The side will also introduce Marcus Smith at full‑back and have George Ford command the midfield. The France XV outing will test a squad built for depth, while the Nations Championship will expose how the team adapts without its captain.