England handed Marcus Smith injury boost before Ireland showdown

Calf injury means Marcus Smith will make an immediate return to the match-day squad and could even start in preference to George Ford

England fly-half Fin Smith has suffered a calf injury that is likely to rule him out of their Six Nations match against Ireland, which would mean an instant return to the match-day squad for Marcus Smith.
It is understood that Fin Smith suffered a small tear in his calf in training last week but it is hoped he will be available for the final match away to France in Lyon on March 16. The 21-year-old, who has been in outstanding form for Premiership leaders Northampton, made his England debut as a replacement against Italy and came on for the final quarter in the 30-21 defeat by Scotland.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has faced near constant disruption to his half-back pairing throughout the Championship. Marcus Smith, who was pencilled in as the starting fly-half coming into the campaign, suffered a calf injury at the warm weather training camp in Girona. He has not played since Jan 20 for Harlequins in the Champions Cup against Ulster.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell was also in doubt for the opener after picking up an infection in his leg but recovered only to suffer a knee injury that ruled him out of the Scotland defeat. He is now back in contention to start against Ireland after Danny Care stepped up at Murrayfield.
Centres Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi also missed the start of the Championship through injury although the former returned at inside centre against Scotland.
At fly-half, Borthwick must decide whether to revert to his original choice in Marcus Smith despite his lack of game time or keep faith with George Ford, who – in common with many of England’s backs – was decidedly off colour against Scotland.
Either way, England will start as heavy underdogs as Andy Farrell’s team come to Twickenham, where they could potentially seal the title with a bonus point victory.