Former King's School pupil George Nott has been named in the England team to face Italy in the opening game of the World Rugby Under-20s Championship this evening (7.45pm).

The Sale Sharks forward, who came through the Chester RUFC ranks, will start at blindside flanker at the Manchester City Academy Stadium.

Nott, 20, will be aiming to help England make a winning start before further pool matches against Scotland and Australia.

The squad gathered in Manchester on Friday and after several intensive training sessions head coach Martin Haag is pleased with the progress that the squad has made ahead of their home tournament.

He said: "Training has been fantastic. The boys have really bought into what we are trying to achieve on the field but I’m also really pleased with how they are gelling as a squad off it.

"When you come together with players and staff from all different rugby backgrounds it can sometimes be hard to gel quickly but we have a real sense of togetherness and an incredible team spirit.

George Nott will start at blindside flanker for England against Italy
George Nott will start at blindside flanker for England against Italy

"I’m delighted with how the first couple of days have gone but the real test is how we perform in games and the squad can’t wait to get started."

"We have done our analysis on Italy but the priority in training has been what we can do as a team, how we constantly improve and drive standards.

"We want our play to have its own identity and have concentrated on that. We know that Italy are going to be stronger than they were in the Six Nations and will pose us some real questions but we are also looking forward to reacting to the opportunities we get through both attack and defence."

Tickets for tonight's game are available to purchase on the gate at the Manchester City Academy Stadium and coverage will be live on Sky Sports.

George Nott on the charge for England against Wales in March's U20s Six Nations clash
George Nott on the charge for England against Wales in March's U20s Six Nations clash