With two rounds remaining of the 2025 Six Nations, England have given themselves a chance of lifting the title for the first time since 2020.
Steve Borthwick’s men play host to Italy on Sunday knowing a win will put them in a strong position with Ireland and France having met the day before.
Italy have never beaten England in an international fixture – 31 matches – and it would take a massive effort to bring that run to an end.
England vs Italy Betting Tips
- England – Game Betting Handicap -21.5 @ 1/1 with bet365
- Number of Tries – Over 7.5 @ 4/5 with bet365
- No England Try Before 11mins 30secs @ 5/6 with bet365
All odds are courtesy of bet365, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
England can take advantage of leaky Azzurri
Italy head to Twickenham having scored one more point than England in their opening three matches, but the Azzurri are conceding too many at the other end of the pitch.
Gonzalo Quesada’s men have leaked 119 points so far in this Six Nations campaign, an average of 39.6 points per game. England have not looked like a dominant force in attack, but they will see this as the perfect opportunity to add to their points difference, which is currently -3.
It’s worth noting that the Red Rose have scored 30+ points against Italy in 11 of their last 12 meetings, including a 31-14 success in their last clash at Twickenham in 2023.
England v Italy Tip 1: England – Game Betting Handicap -21.5 @ 1/1 with bet365
Fly-half Smith can be the key
England have been criticised for their lack of attacking flair in recent years and this game will give them an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.
One surprise change to their starting XV for Sunday’s clash sees Marcus Smith drop to the bench and be replaced by Elliot Daly at full-back. Fraser Dingwall has also been recalled to the side after a year away from the England party, while Henry Slade has been left out of the 23-man squad.
One man who is likely to play a significant role is Fin Smith, with the Northampton Saints star continuing his half-back partnership with club-mate Alex Mitchell.
Smith is currently fifth in the Gallagher Premiership points-scoring list and could make Italy pay when England are able to throw the ball amongst the backs.
England v Italy Tip 2: Number of Tries – Over 7.5 @ 4/5 with bet365
Borthwick’s charges taking time to get going
England have only been in front at half-time in one of their first three Six Nations matches this year and have been much better in the second 40 minutes.
Borthwick watched on as Scotland led 10-7 at Twickenham two weeks ago and should have been further ahead at the break. England fought back though to claim the victory, while they saw off France by a point having been tied 7-7 after the opening 40 minutes.
Last year’s meeting in Rome saw Italy lead 17-14 at half-time before England went on to win 27-24, with Daly and Mitchell scoring their two tries.
England v Italy Tip 3: No England Try Before 11mins 30secs @ 5/6 with bet365
