Six Nations: Jonny May and Courtney Lawes add to Eddie Jones’ injury headache

England are facing a leadership crisis and more back-line upheaval before the Six Nations, as Jonny May is out with a knee injury and Courtney Lawes is unable to train after a head knock.

Head coach Eddie Jones’ best-laid plans are unravelling before his squad have even begun their championship build-up at a temporary base in Brighton. 

In the absence of captain Owen Farrell – who is awaiting updates on his damaged right ankle – the RFU confirmed on Monday night that Leicester fly-half George Ford had been recalled, as revealed by Sportsmail.

Jonny May (left) is sidelined with a knee injury while Courtney Lawes (right) is unable to train

Eddie Jones has plenty of calls to make in the lead up to this year’s Six Nations tournament

However, Ford was not the only reinforcement summoned to the south coast. Jones has also selected Saracens pair Elliot Daly and Nick Isiekwe to cover for May and Lawes at this week’s camp.

Northampton forward Lawes was a near-certainty to deputise as skipper again, after he excelled in the role during autumn victories over Tonga and world champions South Africa. The fact he is going through return-to-play protocols, despite the Saints’ game against Racing 92 in Paris two days ago being cancelled, is a concern.

Jones has opted to defer a leadership appointment until next week, to allow the 32-year-old time to recover and prepare to face Scotland in England’s opener on February 5. 

George Ford has been recalled by England ahead of their upcoming Six Nations campaign

The decision comes as captain Owen Farrell (pictured) is injured and may miss the tournament

But Lawes was already short of game-time, so this setback may force the England management to turn to another captaincy candidate. There are several senior players who could fit the bill, but are unproven.

Maro Itoje may emerge as a front-runner after Jones back-tracked on an assertion in his latest book that the Lion is not a future England captain, as he was ordained after bursting on to the scene.

Ellis Genge, Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie are three front-rowers with the pedigree at club, if not Test, level. 

Tom Curry is regarded as another candidate in the pack, and Ben Youngs has the necessary standing as England’s longest-serving player.

If Lawes is ruled out of the Scotland game, it increases the prospects of a starting role for Alex Dombrandt or Sam Simmonds, as Jones will consider a back-row alliance of Curry and Lewis Ludlam – two scavenging flankers – alongside a specialist No 8.

It also gives uncapped Wasps sensation Alfie Barbeary a better chance of making his debut. Isiekwe has not played for his country since 2018 but is in fine form and could force himself into contention for a place in the match-day 23.

May has been a prolific fixture in the national team for years and the veteran Gloucester wing’s absence could leave England without valuable back-three experience – hence the return of Daly, who can play on the wing or in midfield.