England managed Martin Johnson has cut his squad for the Italy clash on Saturday sending home 12 players. Johnson is due to name his team for the Twickenham Test at noon on Thursday. Those returning to their clubs are: Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester Rugby), Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints), Riki Flutey (London Wasps), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Joe Simpson (London Wasps), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby), George Skivington (Leicester Tigers), David Strettle (Saracens) and Joe Worsley (London Wasps).

Johnson has however retained Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie which probably means he will replace Joe Worsley on the bench. Click her for a Rugby World interview with Fourie.