Mitchell's return boosts England ahead of Ireland Six Nations clash
England's first-choice scrumhalf Alex Mitchell has been cleared to take part in his side's Six Nations opener against double defending champions Ireland on Saturday.
Mitchell became a doubt for the Dublin showdown after suffering a knee injury on European duty for Northampton against Munster on 18 January.
But he has now been added to the 36-man squad that is in Spain preparing for the match, clearing the path for his return against the tournament favourites.
Alex Mitchell returns 💪
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 27, 2025
Head coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed the following squad update ahead of our @sixnationsrugby opener this weekend.#IREvENG | #GuinnessM6N | @O2 | #WearTheRose pic.twitter.com/xmhjVbHUFh
Mitchell replaces uncapped Northampton teammate Henry Pollock in the squad and is expected to be given the No 9 jersey when head coach Steve Borthwick names his team on Thursday.
It will be his first test appearance since facing New Zealand in Auckland in July after a neck injury ruled him out of England's entire November series.
Mitchell is expected to be paired alongside Marcus Smith at half-back, with the Harlequins playmaker likely to continue to wear the number 10 shirt.
Borthwick was hit by a string of withdrawals last week, with Jamie George, Alex Coles, Alex Dombrandt and Jack van Poortvliet all dropping out of the squad.
But the return of Mitchell is a major boost as England chase their first win in Dublin since 2019.
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