Six Nations: England fly-half Owen Farrell could still recover in time to face Italy

Owen Farrell has not yet been ruled out of England's RBS Six Nations fixture with Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.

Fly-half Farrell was forced off in the second half of the win over France on February 23 with a thigh injury.

His father, England backs coach Andy Farrell, told Sky Sports News on Tuesday no decision has been made on who starts at stand-off against Italy.

"He's run this morning - not full out - and we need to see how he reacts to that," Andy said of Owen.

"He's going to do a bit more (training) tomorrow, starting with low-level kicking. There are a few more processes before we make any decision."
Andy Farrell on Owen Farrell

"He's going to do a bit more tomorrow, starting with low-level kicking. There are a few more processes before we make any decision."

If Farrell does miss out, Leicester's Toby Flood is his likely deputy and would also assume goal-kicking duties, as he did during the closing stages against France.

Croft return

England have welcomed Tom Croft back into their squad this week for the first time since the flanker suffered a serious neck injury while playing for Leicester nearly a year ago.

The 27-year-old led his club to victory against Sale last Saturday, the first time he has negotiated back-to-back matches in his 295 minutes of rugby this season.

"It is brilliant for us, Tom and everyone concerned," said former dual-code international Farrell. "He is a class player who has had a terrible time of late.

"It is one thing getting injured, but getting injured with a really serious neck injury must have been a testing time for him.

"To come back and perform like he has done over the last couple of weeks, especially at the weekend, is fantastic news."