Eddie Jones looking for ruthlessness in Rome – Italy v England talking points

England travel to Rome in search of their first win of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations.

Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points ahead of their clash with Italy.

Ali v Liston III

Eddie Jones wants ruthlessness from England (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Healing the wounds of Murrayfield

Scotland celebrate after winning the Calcutta Cup (Jane Barlow/PA)

England’s attack catalyst

A first @SixNationsRugby start for @hazrandall9 on Sunday ? pic.twitter.com/QqOR6NydlC

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 11, 2022

Of the six changes in personnel made to the side that surrendered a 17-10 lead against Scotland, the most intriguing is Harry Randall’s selection at scrum-half ahead of veteran Ben Youngs. Randall is a dynamic runner and major threat in open play, but he has also honed the more functional aspects of his game to make his third start for England. It will be hoped that he adds tempo to the attack.

Quins’ free spirits ready to shine

Jones is hoping to tap into Marcus Smith’s Harlequins form (Jane Balow/PA)

Can lightning strike twice?

Defeat for England U20s in Treviso.#ITAvENG | #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/HVMDQSijJe

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 11, 2022

It is hard to argue a case for England losing to opponents they have beaten on all 16 previous occasions. Italy’s Six Nations record is abysmal, consisting of 33 straight defeats dating back to 2015 in a run that has produced consistent calls for relegation to be introduced into the competition. However, on Friday night their Under-20 team beat their English counterparts for the first time in what long-suffering Azzurri fans will hope is an omen.