Maro Itoje says England are “ready to go” as they target an upset victory over Ireland that would launch their Guinness Six Nations in style.

England open Six Nations campaign against defending champions Ireland in Dublin on Saturday; Maro Itoje confident England can upset the odds and the defending champions on his first match as captain

Maro Itoje says England are "ready to go" as they bid to upset the odds by launching their Six Nations campaign with a defeat of twice defending champions Ireland in Dublin.

Maro Itoje landed in Ireland on Thursday night ahead of England’s mission impossible on Saturday, insisting his side can storm Dublin. Itoje’s side are up against an Ireland side chasing a record third Six Nations title on the spin this weekend and on the back of a dismal run of results.

Despite a mild-mannered persona, the new England captain has a reputation for playing risk and reward with officials

Itoje, 30, has replaced Jamie George as captain heading into this year's Six Nations Championship. Itoje was also named Saracens skipper ahead of this season, and said his leadership approach is to combine leading and serving. "I want to serve the squad, serve the country, serve the staff, serve the fans in the role," Itoje said.

As England prepare to face Ireland in their opening game of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Maro Itoje prepares for his first game as captain.

Interim boss Simon Easterby faces a key call at fly half, with Scotland and Italy also set to reveal their line-ups today

A capsule look at England, France, defending champion Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations, which starts on Friday.

Captain Maro Itoje says England can shrug off their poor recent form and deliver a surprise Six Nations Grand Slam.

New captain Maro Itoje says England ‘ready to go’ as they target Ireland upset - England will take on the reigning Six Nations champions in Dublin this weekend.

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