LONDON - Maro Itoje has replaced Jamie George as England captain for the Six Nations, head coach Steve Borthwick said on Tuesday as he named a 36-man squad for the tournament.
Itoje takes over from Saracens team-mate George, 34, who in his role as hooker has often found himself being replaced early in the second half when games were in the balance.
George has been England's skipper since the 2023 World Cup but has now been demoted to vice-captain.
Itoje has previously deputised for George when he has been off the field and his promotion is another leadership role for the 30-year-old lock, who took over as Saracens captain at the start of the season.
England won just five of their 12 Tests in 2024, a sequence that included five straight defeats and three losses in a row at Twickenham.
"With 88 England caps, Maro has been a central figure in this squad for many years, bringing a vast amount of experience both on and off the field," said Borthwick, himself a former England captain and lock.
"He's a calm, influential leader, renowned for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him."
Borthwick added: "I'd like to recognise the outstanding leadership of Jamie George, whose contributions as captain have been significant and will continue to play an important role as a vice-captain."
But at 34 years old, George faces a struggle to be involved at the next World Cup in 2027, and he is also fighting for his place as first-choice hooker, with competition from Luke Cowan-Dickie and Theo Dan.
Itoje said he was "humbled and honoured" to be named as skipper.
"It's a truly incredible privilege for both me and my family, and I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity," he said.
"With the role comes a great deal of responsibility, but 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."
Borthwick's squad includes in-form Saracens No 8 Tom Willis, but is missing veteran prop Dan Cole and scrum-half Ben Spencer.
England have a tough start to the Six Nations, away to two-time defending champions Ireland in Dublin on 1 February.
England squad
Backs
Backs: Oscar Beard, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Harry Randall, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet
Forwards: Fin Baxter, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Ted Hill, Maro Itoje (capt) George Martin, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Bevan Rodd, Will Stuart, Tom Willis
Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)
By Julian Guyer