Cole and Flutey in for England

England have recalled centre Riki Flutey and will hand Leicester prop Dan Cole a first international start in Sunday’s Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome.

Cole has been promoted into the starting line-up after Bath’s David Wilson suffered a shoulder injury as England began their campaign with a 30-17 win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

Cole, 22, made his Test debut when he came off the bench in that match and bolstered his burgeoning reputation.

Brive centre Flutey reclaims the number 12 shirt from Toby Flood after being ruled out of the Wales match with a thigh injury.

England manager Martin Johnson delayed the announcement of his replacement bench because of injury and illness doubts surrounding a number of players.

England captain Steve Borthwick was named in the second row but has missed two days of training this week because of illness. Fellow lock Simon Shaw also sat out training on Wednesday while Wilson and flanker Lewis Moody were both in non-contact jerseys.

Johnson has kept Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw, Northampton lock Courtney Lawes and Worcester prop Matt Mullan with the squad in case they are needed in the Italian capital.

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