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Maro Itoje was appointed captain of England before the six nations while Steve Barthwick made a daring decision before a vital tournament.
Itoje assumes the role of the skipper of the Saracens teammate, Jamie George, who took the reins after the 2023 World Cup.
Long, considered a future captain of his country, even in the midst of an important debate on his leadership qualities, the appointment of Lock occurs in months after being appointed captain of his club after the departure of Owen Farrell.
The 30-year-old will be supported by George and Ellis Genge as Vice-Captains while England is trying to bounce back after a disappointing fall who saw them only winning a four games.
Although it has never led a side of England on the field, he regularly took over the captain on the ground after the substitution of George in the last 12 months. He won 88 caps in England and played in six tests for the British and Irish lions.
“I am incredibly humiliated and honored to have been invited by Steve to be captain of England,” said Itoje. “It is a really incredible privilege for me and my family, and I am grateful to have had this opportunity.
“With the role, he is very responsible for responsibility, but I am at a time of my career where I feel ready to give everything to serve the team and the fans with the post of captain, and also produce my best on The field.
“It is reassuring to know that there is a group of senior players to support me and help to rely on the achievements of Jamie, who brilliantly managed the team and who is a great friend and a great leader since so much years.
“I am excited by the team of players we have, who are all hungry for success, and I can’t wait to drive them for the six nations to come.”
Itoje made his debut in England in 2016 and was a first choice starter for Barthwick and the predecessor Eddie Jones since then.
Jones described the lock as “inner appearance” during his mandate in charge, believing that others are more important leaders within his team, but Itoje has grown and cultivated in stature even among the struggles of England.
“With 88 caps in England, Maro has been a central figure of this team for many years, bringing great experience in the field and off the field,” said Barthwick.
“He is a calm and influential leader, renowned for his commitment to respecting high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.
“His strong relationship with the team and coaches, combined with their leadership experience at Saracens, ideally put it to assume this responsibility.
“I would like to recognize the exceptional leadership of Jamie George, whose contributions as captain have been important and will continue to play an important role as vice-captain.”
Elsewhere in the team of 36 Barthwick players, there is a call for an eight number to Tom Willis Caphard capital after an impressive season for the Saracens.
The non -capped Harlequins are Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley both gain inclusion, but there is no room for the veteran Tighthead Dan Cole, who won his 118th international ceiling during the fall.
In TightHethead, the young Asher Open Open-Fordjour and Joe Heyes are preferred, when there is a return to the Bevan Rodd sale on the other side of the first row.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Sam Underhill and George Furbank are among the key figures listed as unavailable due to an injury, a group that also includes the non-capped pair Gabriel Ibitoye and Afolabi Fasogbon. Ben Spencer, who started fall as half of melee in England, is left out with Alex Mitchell Back Fit.
The Barthwick team opens its tournament against Ireland at the Aviva stadium in Dublin on February 1.
Training team in 36 England players for six nations
Advances:
End Baxter (Harlequins, 6 caps)
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 7 Caps)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 44 Caps)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 11 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 6 Caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 56 Caps)
Theo Dan (Saracens, 16 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 20 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 37 caps)
Ellis Gége (Bristol Bears, 66 caps) – Vice -captain
Jamie George (Saracens, 97 Caps) – Vice -captain
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
Ted Hill (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 88 Caps) – Captain
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 19 Caps)
Asher Optoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 1 CAP)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 7 Caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
Tom Willis (Saracens, 1 cap)
Backs:
Oscar Beard (Harlequins, non -ceiling)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 69 caps)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 2 Caps)
George Ford (Sale Sharks, 98 Caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 15 Caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 18 Caps)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins, UNCAPT)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 11 caps)
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 3 Caps)
Henry Slade (Chief Exeter, 69 caps)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 5 Caps)
End Smith (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 39 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
Jack Van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps)
Rehabilitation: Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears), Nick Uniekwe (Bath Rugby), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), and Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), and Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby),).
