Marcus Smith took his demotion on the chin according to boss Steve Borthwick – who then handed the Harlequin a licence to thrill against Italy on Sunday, if he gets on.

The benched 26-year-old has paid the price for defensive lapses in England’s 16-15 win over Scotland and his side’s inability to get him involved in attack.

And Borthwick has banked on the high ball expertise of Elliot Daly to neutralise Italy’s expected aerial assault at full-back.

Borthwick delivered his bombshell to Smith on Tuesday leaving the 42-capper crestfallen but not feeling sorry for himself.

And the head coach has urged him to run rings around the Italians in the last quarter at the weekend as England seek a win of real authority after the one point victories against France and the Scots.

Borthwick said: “I told Marcus about selection and he went out and trained brilliantly. Which is immense credit to him as a person.

“I’ve been really clear and open with the players throughout. I understand that every player wants to start – it’s been the same for every England player in every generation. But I’ll stress; I think we have a lot of talented players; a lot of talented backs with attacking ability.

“Marcus has done so many things very well and when I talked to him I said that he’s a game-changer – that’s the best way I can describe it. He has an impact on games

“We all know that he has the ability to find space that other players can’t. The exciting thing I’m looking forward to this weekend is unleashing him when there is a bit of fatigue on the pitch, a bit of space on the pitch. When he comes on with his freshness the whole stadium will be excited. I’m looking forward to seeing him enter the game against tiring defenders.

“Elliot is a really good attacking strong player but it’s never just about one player, it’s about the team.”

Before going to full-back, Smith lost his No.10 shirt to Northampton’s Fin Smith after the defeat to Ireland in the opener and will struggle to get that back with Premiership champions Saints providing five backs out of seven.

Wings Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme, centre Fraser Dingwall, scrum-half Alex Mitchell and plus fly-half Fin Smith give a familiarity Borthwick is banking on to rack up a big win against the Azzurri.

And Dingwall is rewarded for his patience with a third cap over a year after winning his first two.

Borthwick added: “When I watch Mitch, and Fin Smith and Fraser at 9, 10, 12 with their alignment and speed into position, the ball is getting to them without anything being called or said. There is an understanding there that is enhanced by how much time they have been together. I want to build a togetherness. If I can find players that understand playing together, there is a natural benefit.

“Fraser is like a glue player. Things build around him. The work he does almost goes I would unseen, but I see it. He is a really intelligent rugby player.”