England head coach Steve Borthwick believes Tom Willis’ hunger is exactly what he wants to see from the rest of his squad, as the Saracens man earns a deserved re-call to the Test squad. Willis has been in red-hot form in the Premiership this season but was dropped from England’s squad for the November Tests.

And while it would not normally be England’s concern, Itoje could use this as a springboard to captain the Lions on tour this summer, which would reflect prestige back onto Twickenham at a time of bad publicity over the running of the RFU.