England have been struck by an injury crisis less than a fortnight before the Guinness Six Nations with vice-captain Jamie George heading a significant list of withdrawals from Steve Borthwick’s squad.

England have suffered significant injury news ahead of the Six Nations with Jamie George set to miss their opening fixture against Ireland. Hooker George, who has been replaced by Maro Itoje as captain,

England lose Jamie George for Six Nations opener as injuries mount before Ireland clash - Alex Mitchell is also doubtful for Dublin trip, with Alex Coles, Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Dombrandt all ru

With a record of five wins in 12 games, Jamie George will not go down as one of England’s great captains. Few men in the professional era, however, have skippered England with more pride or sacrificed more to lead their country.

Jamie George, replaced as England captain by Maro Itoje last week, has been ruled out of their Six Nations opener against Ireland, with scrumhalf Alex Mitchell also a doubt after the squad was hit by a raft of injuries.

England hooker Jamie George ruled out of Six Nations opener against Ireland - The Saracens player suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday.

Hooker Jamie George will miss England's Six Nations opener against Ireland while scrum-half Alex Mitchell is a doubt with a knee problem.