England are to name Manu Tuilagi on the bench for their final match of the RBS 6 Nations against Italy after including him in their matchday squad for Rome.

Tuilagi has been recalled at the expense of Alex Goode following his recovery from the torn pectoral muscle that kept him sidelined for six months.

The 22-year-old has played just 70 minutes for his club Leicester since returning to fitness, but head coach Stuart Lancaster believes he is ready for the Stadio Olimpico points grab.

It will be his first appearance for England since last season’s Six Nations defeat by Wales in Cardiff, that crushed the visiting team’s title hopes.

“Manu trained well with us last week and is up to speed with the way we want to play,” Lancaster said.

“Alex has done well for us off the bench and is naturally disappointed, but we believe Manu, with the power and physicality he can bring, is the right choice to be included in the 23 for this game.”