WORCESTER Warriors' Finn Theobald-Thomas has been named on the bench for England U20s' Six Nations clash with Italy in Treviso on Friday night.

Theobald-Thomas is 18 and was not named in the initial Under-20s Elite Player Squad for this season.

But he was called in as a travelling reserve for last Friday’s win over Scotland in Edinburgh and has now been promoted to the matchday squad for a possible debut against the Italians.

He made his senior Worcester debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup win over Bristol in November and has been playing for Stourbridge in National Two North on a dual registration this season.

For those who are wondering why Warriors' Fin Smith is not involved for England, Premiership clubs have priority and the choice of keeping their players lies with the clubs over having them away with England. 

Steve Diamond is a big fan of fly-half Smith and wants him to stay with Worcester.

But he did say that one of the games he would be made available to play for his country when Warriors are in Premiership Cup action. 

England squad to face Italy (7pm BST): 15. George Hendy, 14. Deago Bailey, 13. Tom Litchfield, 12. Ethan Grayson, 11. Francis Moore, 10. Jamie Benson, 9. Matty Jones; 1. Fin Baxter, 2. John Stewart, 3. Mike Summerfield, 4. Alfie Bell, 5. Tom Lockett, 6. Alex Wardell, 7. Toby Knight, 8. Emeka Ilione.

Replacements: 16. Finn Theobald-Thomas (Worcester Warriors), 17. Mark Dormer, 18. Will Hobson, 19. Charlie Rice, 20. Greg Fisilau, 21. Sam Edwards, 22.Louie Johnson, 23. Ollie Dawkins.