Jamie George returns earlier than planned to boost England's Six Nations hopes

Jamie George has recovered from a knee problem to give England’s Six Nations title quest a lift.

Eddie Jones’ second choice hooker sustained the injury in a 32-15 victory over Australia during the autumn and was not expected to return until the end of January.

But he has been named in the starting XV and captain for Saracens’ Gallagher Premiership trip to Northampton on Sunday.

“Jamie was nearly OK for last weekend but now he’s raring to go. It’s great to have him back,” Saracens boss Mark McCall said.

England open their Six Nations against Scotland on February 5 with only 500 fans allowed to attend Murrayfield because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Elsewhere, Saracens have confirmed the loan signing of tighthead Gareth Milasinovich. Milasinovich (6'3, 134kg) is in line for his debut after joining on a two-month loan from Ulster.

SARACENS:

1 Mako Vunipola

2 Jamie George (c)

3 Harvey Beaton

4 Maro Itoje

5 Nick Isiekwe

6 Theo McFarland

7 Ben Earl

8 Billy Vunipola

9 Aled Davies

10 Alex Goode

11 Elliot Daly

12 Nick Tompkins

13 Alex Lozowski

14 Sean Maitland

15 Max Malins

REPLACEMENTS:

16 Tom Woolstencroft

17 Eroni Mawi

18 Gareth Milasinovich

19 Callum Hunter-Hill

20 Jackson Wray

21 Ivan van Zyl

22 Manu Vunipola

23 Rotimi Segun