Corry to captain England in Italy match

Number eight Martin Corry will captain England in their Six Nations match against Italy, coach Andy Robinson said yesterday.

Corry replaces injured fullback Jason Robinson who was ruled out of the last two matches of the championship with a thumb injury.

England play Italy at Twickenham on March 12, before hosting Scotland in their final game on March 19.

Corry has been the pick of England's forwards in their three losses in this year's championship and has been a regular captain of his club Leicester.

"Martin Corry has really impressed me with his performances for both England and Tigers this season," coach Robinson said in a statement.

"He has had some outstanding games. I know he will step up to this challenge for this important game against Italy."

Robinson also recalled winger James Simpson-Daniel, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, and utility back Leon Lloyd.

He did not consider centres Henry Paul and Matthew Tait due to their inclusion in the England sevens team for the World Cup in Hong Kong over the weekend of March 18-20.

The 30-man squad will assemble next week before being trimmed to a 22-man match-day team later next week.