Manu Tuilagi named in England squad

Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi has been restored to the England squad for Saturday's crucial Six Nations meeting with Italy in Rome.

Tuilagi has missed the entire campaign so far having been ruled out for six months with a torn pectoral muscle, but head coach Stuart Lancaster has opted to include him in the matchday squad as England look to beat Ireland and France to the title.

The 22-year-old, who has played just 70 minutes for Leicester since returning to fitness, will replace Saracens full-back Alex Goode on the bench at the Stadio Olimpico.

"Manu trained well with us last week and is up to speed with the way we want to play," Lancaster is quoted as saying by PA.

"Alex has done well for us off the bench and is naturally disappointed, but we believe Manu, with the power and physicality he can bring, is the right choice to be included in the 23 for this game."

The match will be Tuilagi's first appearance for England since their defeat to Wales in last season's Six Nations tournament.