England scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out for the remainder of the Six Nations with a hamstring injury.

Mitchell suffered the injury during the first half of their defeat to Ireland last time out, adding salt to the wounds of an already poor display at the tournament for Steve Borthwick's side.

Mitchell has started in each of England's last 10 Six Nations matches, earning his spot as Borthwick's preferred number nine ahead of the 2023 World Cup.

Sale's Raffi Quirke has been called up as additional cover, with Ben Spencer another option for Borthwick, who replaced Mitchell with Jack van Poortvliet against Ireland.

England lost 42-21 to Ireland, the first time that they have lost to their rivals at Twickenham by 20+ in a men's Test match.

Next up: Italy  pic.twitter.com/bK6Uvct96f

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 23, 2026

That also came after a defeat to Scotland, all but ending their chances of lifting the Six Nations trophy this year.

Borthwick's side face Italy, whom England have beaten in all 32 of their previous meetings, next in Rome as they look to return to winning ways.