England coach Eddie Jones has talked of his admiration for Ben Youngs after selecting the half-back to win his 100th England cap in Saturday’s Six Nations title match against Italy.

Youngs has been left stranded on 99 appearances for seven months because of the coronavirus pandemic but in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico will join Jason Leonard to become only the second England Test centurion.

Making his debut in 2010, the 31-year-old Lion has been his country’s first choice half-back for most of the last decade.

“I can only speak with great admiration of Ben. He had a difficult World Cup in 2015 and since then he’s worked extremely hard on his game,” said England’s Australian coach Jones.

“At his best he’s close to the best half-back in the world. He’s got a great running game, good kicking game and is an important, infectious character in our squad.”

Jones’ approval is echoed by Owen Farrell, Youngs’ long-term half-back partner who will lead England’s assault on the Six Nations title from first five-eighth after being picked as chief playmaker for the first time since the World Cup.

“He’s brilliant to play with, a great driver of energy throughout the team, which is great for a scrum-half. He keeps pace very well and gets the team on the front foot,” said Farrell.

Another milestone will be reached when Jamie George wins his 50th cap and the Lions hooker will lead out the team alongside Youngs.

Exeter second rower Jonny Hill makes his debut alongside Maro Itoje after an influential season at the Chiefs, who completed the double with the 26-year-old a physical presence and accomplished set-piece operator.