England vs Italy: What time does it start, how to watch online and TV channel, team news, odds, prediction

Everything you need to know about this weekend’s Rugby World Cup warm-up between England and Italy at St James’ Park

England head to Newcastle for their fourth and final Rugby World Cup warm-up match as they take on Italy at St James’ Park, in what will be their first Test match in the north-east.

A victory and defeat against Wales in their double-header was followed by a comprehensive record win over Ireland two weeks ago, and after spending the last 10 days training in the Italian city of Treviso, Eddie Jones’s side embark on their final preparation game before heading to Japan.

England’s form this year has seen them thrown into the mix as World Cup contenders, and with the 31-man squad already selected by head coach Jones, there is not too much left to do beyond maintaining their unbeaten record against the Italians.

As a result, Jones has reverted to an experimental side for the encounter, with opposite number Conor O’Shea doing the same to give a number of fringe squad players a full outing.

Here’s everything you need to know for the match.

When is it?

England vs Italy takes place at St James’ Park on Friday 6 September.

What time does it start?

The match kicks off at 7:45pm BST [8:45pm CET].

Where can I watch it?

The Test will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action from 7pm. Highlights will be shown on BBC One at 11:05pm and at 11am on Saturday on BBC Two.

Teams

England: Anthony Watson; Ruaridh McConnochie, Joe Marchant, Piers Francis, Jonny May’ Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Dan Cole; Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes; Tom Curry, Mark Wilson, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Charlie Ewels, Matt Kvesic, Willi Heinz, George Ford, Joe Cokanasiga.

Italy: Jayden Hayward; Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Tommaso Benvenuti, Edoardo Padovani; Carlo Canna, Callum Braley; Nicola Quaglio, Oliviero Fabiani, Simone Ferrari; David Sisi, Dean Budd; Sebastian Negri, Abraham Steyn, Jimmy Tuivaiti.

Replacements: Federico Zani, Andrea Lovotti, Marco Riccioni, Federico Ruzza, Alessandro Zanni, Maxime Mbanda, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tommaso Allan.

Odds

England to win: 1/41

Italy to win: 50/1

Draw: 100/1

Prediction

England by 18: Even though it is a warm-up match, England have shown genuine desire to get as much as possible out of these matches, and Friday night should be no different. For a number of players, this will be their final chance to push for a place in the best XV before the World Cup, and it is an opportunity not to be wasted.