Easter closing in on England comeback

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The Harlequins forward has not played since December 29 because of a knee problem.

But despite Easter missing his club's last four Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup games, England head coach Brian Ashton is likely to name him for the Stadio Flaminio clash.

Easter's anticipated comeback means a probable place on the bench for Gloucester prospect Luke Narraway, who made his England debut in Saturday's 26-19 Twickenham loss to Wales.

There will be changes throughout the side as Ashton looks for his players to pick themselves up off the canvas.

Wing David Strettle (foot), centre Mike Tindall (bruised liver), flanker Lewis Moody (Achilles) and Moody's replacement against Wales - Wasps openside Tom Rees (knee ligament) - are all sidelined.

At this stage, only Moody has a realistic chance of featuring again in this season's tournament.

Rugby league recruit Lesley Vainikolo is expected to replace Strettle, with either Jamie Noon or Newcastle colleague Mathew Tait taking over from Tindall.

In the back-row, there could be a first Six Nations start for Bath flanker Michael Lipman, but it appears fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and full-back Iain Balshaw - both heavily criticised for their displays against Wales - will remain.

Whatever side Ashton announces, England cannot afford any repeat of Saturday's second-half switch-off as they target a fifth successive Six Nations triumph in Rome.