George Ford has been called into England’s 36-man training squad for the Guinness Six Nations as a replacement for injured captain Owen Farrell.
The 28-year-old fly-half has been in sensational form for Leicester Tigers this season but has not played for his country since last year’s Championship.
He was rested for the summer Tests against the United States and Canada before missing out on the Autumn Nations Series as Eddie Jones gave Marcus Smith a chance to shine.
Hat-tricks for England duo Dombrandt and Simmonds in Europe
Ford was also omitted from Jones’ original England squad for the 2022 Guinness Six Nations but he now has an opportunity to add to his 77 caps following the injury to Farrell.
Farrell had only just returned to full training with Saracens having recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against Australia during the November Tests last year.
But he suffered a setback last week, picking up a fresh injury as he prepared to make his comeback for Saracens in their European clash with London Irish at the weekend.
He is due to see a specialist this week, meaning he will not attend the pre-Championship training camp in Brighton and looks set to miss at least the Round 1 Calcutta Cup contest on February 5.
England have also called up Elliot Daly to the squad after Jonny May was forced to withdraw with a knee injury while Courtney Lawes is also unavailable to train this week as he is undergoing head injury return to play protocols.
Nick Isiekwe has also joined the England squad at their training camp in Brighton as injury cover for Lawes.
After facing Scotland in Round 1, England travel to Rome to take on Italy in Round 2 before a rest week, after which they play Wales at Twickenham on February 26.
