England starts Henry Pollock at number eight vs. Ireland in Six Nations; Maro Itoje captains in 100th cap.

Henry Pollock makes his first England start at number eight in the Six Nations match against Ireland, one of three changes following a loss to Scotland. The 21-year-old, who has earned seven caps as a replacement, joins a reshaped back row with Ben Earl at openside and Tom Curry at blindside. Ollie Lawrence starts at outside centre for the first time in the 2026 tournament, while Tommy Freeman returns to the wing and Henry Arundell retains his place after avoiding a ban. Maro Itoje captains England in his 100th cap, becoming the ninth men’s player to reach the milestone. Marcus Smith and Jack van Poortvliet are named on the bench as replacements.