- Ten changes made to the starting line-up against Italy
- Fletcher eager to test young players in new environment
England U18 head coach John Fletcher has made 10 changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's game against Italy in Calvisano.
England extended their winning run at this level to 14 internationals with last month's 33-16 victory against France at Newbury.
But Fletcher is eager to give as much game time as possible to everyone in the group before games against Wales (Swansea, March 28), Ireland (Llandovery, April 2) and Scotland (Llandovery, April 7).
Five changes in the backline see new wings in Chris Elder (RGS High Wycombe & London Wasps) and Mark Jennings (Lymm HS & Sale Sharks), a new centre pairing in Jamie Elliott (Bedford & Northampton Saints) and Tommy Bell (Bacup and Rawtenstall GS & Sale Sharks), and Dan Robson (Hartpury Coll & Gloucester Rugby) taking over at scrum half.
Five more changes in the forwards see a new front row of Nick Auterac (Oaklands College & Saracens), Nathan Moris (Sedbergh & Newcastle Falcons) and Kyle Sinckler (Epsom Coll & Harlequins), with Billy Vunipola (Harrow & London Wasps) and Sam Northcote-Green (Dulwich Coll & London Wasps) on the flanks.
Fletcher said: "I'm delighted with the work we've been doing and looking forward to the game. It's a good opportunity for the players who haven’t started an Under 18 international this season.
"England sides have found Italy a tough place to play this season and these players are looking forward to improving on their last performance against France.
"It's our first away game and playing in different countries and environments is an important part of developing players."
England U18 v Italy
15 Ben Ransom (Tonbridge & Saracens)
14 Chris Elder (RGS High Wycombe & London Wasps)
13 Jamie Elliott (Bedford & Northampton Saints)
12 Tommy Bell (Bacup and Rawtenstall GS & Sale Sharks)
11 Mark Jennings (Lymm HS & Sale Sharks)
10 George Ford (Rishworth & Leicester Tigers, Captain)
9 Dan Robson (Hartpury Coll & Gloucester Rugby)
1 Nick Auterac (Oaklands College & Saracens)
2 Nathan Moris (Sedbergh & Newcastle Falcons)
3 Kyle Sinckler (Epsom Coll & Harlequins)
4 George Merrick (Whitgift & Harlequins)
5 Dominic Barrow (Prince Henry's GS Otley & Leeds Carnegie)
6 Billy Vunipola (Harrow & London Wasps)
7 Sam Northcote-Green (Dulwich Coll & London Wasps)
8 Matt Kvesic (Worcester Sixth Form Coll & Worcester Warriors)
Replacements
16 Koree Britton (Ivybridge Coll & Exeter Chiefs)
17 Anthony Brennan (Twyford CofE & London Wasps)
18 Will Skuse (Bryanston & Bath Rugby)
19 Will Spencer (St Paul's Catholic & London Irish)
20 Charlie Gordon (Wellington College and London Wasps)
21 Ryan Mills (Hartpury Coll & Gloucester)
22 Elliot Daly (Whitgift & London Wasps)
England Under 18 fixtures 2009/10
December 13: England U18 30 Australia Schools 28
February 21: England U18 33 France 16
March 6: Italy U18 v England U18 (Calvisano 2.30pm)
March 28: Wales U18 v England U18 (Swansea)
April 2: England U18 v Ireland (Llandovery 4pm)
April 7: England U18 v Scotland (Llandovery 2pm)