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On a special day for Jamie George, England kept their slim hopes of a first Six Nations title since 2020 alive as Allianz Stadium finally witnessed the free flowing attacking rugby Steve Borthwick's men have promised against an off colour Italy that have conceded 18 tries in their last two outings.
On a special day for Jamie George, England kept their slim hopes of a first Six Nations title since 2020 alive as Allianz Stadium finally witnessed the free flowing attacking rugby Steve Borthwick's men have promised against an off colour Italy that have conceded 18 tries in their last two outings.
Former captain George brought up his century of caps with a fine display, playing a key role in assisting Ollie Sleightholme's excellent team try which was part of a ruthless purple patch during the opening period of the second half.
England will be sweating on the fitness of Ollie Lawrence after he was forced off in the first half but Borthwick will be pleased his side made it three wins on the spin heading to Wales next weekend - this time by a much healthier scoreline.
Mexican waves are usually a sign of supporters being uninterested but with the result in the bag 20 minutes from time, England players will be delighted to have aided their capacity crowd's heart rates instead of forcing them to endure another potentially heartbreaking grandstand finish.
England needed a fast start given anything but a bonus point victory would realistically rule them out of the title race and they got just that with Tom Willis burrowing his way over the line.
However, England rued early red zone inefficiency and Italy soon equalised - a delicate chip in behind by Paolo Garibisi allowing Ange Capuozzo to dot down.
Garbsi then let England off the hook, missing a routine three while at the other end Elliot Daly's grubber kick assisted Tommy Freeman.
The entertaining seesaw contest continued as former pizza deliveryman Ross Vintcent burst through the English defence to score before Sleightholme profited from quick hands.
Fin Smith was proven a deadeye off the tee converting from all angles and he converted his fly-half rival and namesake Marcus Smith's try after the Harlequin burst into life, weaving his way in for a mesmerising score.
Tom Curry crossed from close range and England's attack was on fire, Sleightholme finishing his second try following basketball-style offloads by Maro Itoje and Tom Curry.
It was the sort of celebratory atmosphere in Twickenham that hasn’t occured in recent times as George received a standing ovation after being replaced.
Manuel Zuliani's barnstorming carry set the platform for Tommaso Menoncello's touchdown but Ben Earl rounded off a gritty display with a try to cement England's commanding performance ahead of Super Saturday.