Marcus Smith’s hopes to win the shirt of England No 10 and challenge for the same role with the Lions are in ruins last night because he was abandoned by Steve Barthwick.
A month after entering the six nations while the pre-eminent half-voltage of his country, the 26-year-old, was demoted from the starting XV, after being transferred for recent victories over France and Scotland.
End Smith entering his luck as the main playmaker, the Saracens veteran, Elliot Daly, was preferred by Steve Barthwick as a final defense line against Italy in Twickenham on Sunday.
However, Marcus Smith is not the only high -level victim of the reshuffle behind England.
As was revealed for the first time by Sport Mail, the center of Exeter Henry Slade was also put aside – from the midfield at the first choice at the end of the day of the match 23.
Its place was taken by Fraser Dingwall, which becomes the fifth Northampton back to the Barthwick team, with end Smith and the partner of Demi-Dos Alex Mitchell, as well as Wings Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme.
Marcus Smith was abandoned on the bench for the six -nations home match in England against Italy
Henry Slade was also excluded from the England team for Sunday’s match
England head coach Steve Barthwick has reworked his team’s return line