Maro Itoje has replaced Saracens team-mate Jamie George as England captain ahead of their upcoming Six Nations campaign.

Steve Borthwick revealed his 36-man training squad for his side's tournament opener against Ireland at the start of February on Tuesday. 

Itoje, who was also named as Saracens captain in August last year, becomes the 136th player to hold the permanent position. 

George had only been announced as Borthwick’s captain following Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from international rugby in late 2023.

Itoje will still be supported by George, with Borthwick naming him as a vice-captain alongside Ellis Genge as England look to bounce back from a disappointing autumn. 

"With 88 England caps, he has been a central figure in this squad for many years, bringing a vast amount of experience both on and off the field," Borthwick said on his decision.

"He's a calm, influential leader, renowned for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.

"His strong rapport with the squad and coaches, combined with his leadership experience at Saracens, makes him ideally placed to take on this responsibility.

"I'd like to recognise the leadership of Jamie George, whose contributions as captain have been significant and will continue to play an important role as a vice-captain."

All eyes on @SixNationsRugby

Steve Borthwick has named a 36-player training squad in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations @O2 | #WearTheRose | #GuinnessM6N

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 14, 2025

Elsewhere in Borthwick's 36-player squad, there is a call-up for in-form number eight Tom Willis, who has enjoyed an impressive season so far for Saracens. 

Uncapped Harlequins duo Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley are also in the group Borthwick will work with at Pennyhill Park and also in Girona ahead of his side's campaign.

At tighthead, youngsters Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Joe Heyes are preferred, while there is a return for Sale’s Bevan Rodd on the other side of the front row.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Sam Underhill and George Furbank are among the key figures listed as unavailable due to injury. 

The group also includes uncapped Gabriel Ibitoye and Afolabi Fasogbon, while Ben Spencer is left out with Alex Mitchell back fit.

England's Six Nations squad in full: 

Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Ted Hill (Bath), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Martin (Leicester), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Bevan Rodd (Sale), Will Stuart (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).

Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), George Ford (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).