Maro Itoje set for 100th cap as England make five changes for Ireland clash

Ollie Lawrence, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock all take their place in the starting XV. The big news is that the young superstar Pollock will be taking the number eight shirt in his first Test start for England, while Ben Earl moves to openside flanker.

Tom Curry settles in on the blindside, while Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill revert to the bench. Tom Roebuck is out of the matchday 23 as Tommy Freeman returns to the wing due to the much-anticipated return of Lawrence, while Henry Arundell retains his spot despite earning a 20-minute red card during last weekend's loss.

Elsewhere, Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith return to the matchday 23, replacing Ben Spencer and Fin Smith on the bench.

England will be captained by Maro Itoje, who will win his 100th cap, becoming only the ninth men's player to reach the milestone for England, alongside Ben Youngs (127), Dan Cole (118), Jason Leonard (114), Owen Farrell (112), George Ford (107), Jamie George (107), Courtney Lawes (105) and Danny Care (101).

"We're expecting a huge contest at Allianz Stadium and we're excited for it," said Borthwick.

"We know the challenge Ireland will bring and we've selected a side that we believe has the right balance to meet it."  

On Itoje's milestone, Borthwick added: "To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro's consistency and professionalism over many years.  

"He leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country. We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and I know it will be a special day for him and his family."  

England team v Ireland

England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Henry Pollock, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge

Replacements: 16 Jamie George (vc), 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Sam Underhill, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith

Date: Saturday, 21 February, 2026

Kick-off: 14:10 GMT

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)

Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (FFR), Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)

TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

FPRO: Mike Adamson