Rugby-Smith and Farrell start for England as Tuilagi left out

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - England Training - Pennyhill Park, London, Britain - January 30, 2023 England head coach Steve Borthwick during training Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

LONDON (Reuters) -Owen Farrell and Joe Marchant will fill England's midfield with Marcus Smith at flyhalf in their Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday as Manu Tuilagi was omitted from the matchday squad announced by Steve Borthwick on Thursday.

When fit, Tuilagi has been one of the first names on the team sheet since his debut in 2011 but he has struggled to show his usual impact at Sale this season, opening the door for the return of Marchant.