MARO ITOJE AND Elliot Daly have been included as reserves in a 25-man England squad for their Six Nations clash against Scotland on Saturday.

England head coach Eddie Jones has allowed eight players to return to their clubs ahead of his side’s opening game of the tournament at Murrayfield.

Uncapped duo Itoje and Daly will travel north of the border to provide cover, but Josh Beaumont, Kieran Brookes, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Matt Kvesic will not feature against Vern Cotter’s side.

Matt Mullan, Sam Hill, Semesa Rokoduguni and Marland Yarde have also been released by Jones, who will take charge of England for the first time in the Calcutta Cup showdown.

Jones watched back row Itoje impress for Saracens against Bath in the Premiership last weekend and the 21-year-old could get his chance if Courtney Lawes fails to recover from a hamstring injury.

Daly earned his first call-up to the squad following some eye-catching performances for Wasps in the Premiership and the European Champions Cup.

The form of both men has been such that many were stunned by their omission from the match-day squad.

England squad (v Scotland)

Forwards: Dan Cole, Jack Clifford, Jamie George, Dylan Hartley, James Haskell, Paul Hill, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Chris Robshaw, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola.

Backs: Mike Brown, Danny Care, Ollie Devoto, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Alex Goode, Jonathan Joseph, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs.

Travelling reserves: Maro Itoje, Elliot Daly.

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