Ollie Chessum will make his first England start in nearly a year after being named in the second row for Saturday's Calcutta Cup match against Scotland at Allianz Stadium.

Chessum replaces George Martin in England's only change following their 26-25 victory over France last time out. 

The 24-year-old will operate alongside Maro Itoje in the second row in a direct swap for Martin, who has been managing a knee problem and drops to the bench. 

It will be Chessum's first start for England since last year's Six Nations, having been ruled out of the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand and the autumn series with shoulder and knee injuries.

Steve Borthwick has also stuck with Fin Smith at fly-half and Marcus Smith at full-back as he aims to stop Scotland's recent dominance in the fixture. 

Calcutta Cup ready

Steve Borthwick has named his 23-player match day squad to face Scotland this weekend @O2 | #WearTheRose

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 18, 2025

England won each of their first nine Six Nations home matches against Scotland since 2000, but have now not beaten them at the Allianz Stadium since 2017, drawing in 2019 and losing in 2021 and 2023.

But England are on a three-game winning streak at home in the Six Nations. The last time they enjoyed a longer such run was a 15-game glut between 2012 and 2018, a run that spanned the Stuart Lancaster and Eddie Jones coaching eras.

"We are looking forward to what will be another challenging and exciting match against Scotland," Borthwick said.

"The Calcutta Cup is a special fixture, and we are determined to perform our very best in front of our supporters at Allianz Stadium."

England team to face Scotland: 

Starting XV: Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje (C), Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Tom Willis.

Replacements: Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, George Martin, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Harry Randall, Elliot Daly.