The former England centre believes his old Saracens team-mate has all the qualities to be a superb international captain.

But Borthwick has opted to replace George with Saracens team-mate Itoje amid mounting speculation over the hooker’s place in England’s starting XV for next month’s Six Natio

It was while sitting in Steve Borthwick’s office at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot last June that Maro Itoje convinced the head coach that he was a future England captain.

Itoje assumes the captaincy from Saracens teammate Jamie George before a vital campaign for Steve Borthwick’s side

Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry have been recalled to the Scotland squad and Maro Itoje to lead England for the Guinness Six Nations.

As part of our 'Talking Heads' series, contributing writer Alastair Campbell sat down with the England rugby star

Maro Itoje replaces Saracens team-mate Jamie George as England captain; England begin their Six Nations campaign away to defending champions Ireland on February 1 in Dublin; Steve Borthwick includes u

Maro Itoje will lead England into the upcoming Six Nations after replacing Jamie George as captain. George has been in charge since the 2023 World Cup but is demoted to vice-skipper alongside Ellis Genge, with his Saracens team-mate Itoje taking on the role on a permanent basis for the first time.

Maro Itoje has taken over from Jamie George as England’s captain ahead of this year’s Six Nations. George, 34, had been serving as Steve Borthwick’s skipper following Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from international rugby in late 2023.

Steve Borthwick has backed Maro Itoje to lead England into the 2027 Rugby World Cup and said it is his capability to be calm in the face of pressure which has seen him elevated to captain of the team.