Six Nations analysis: Improvements England can make against Italy

England entered this Six Nations with high hopes, having won their previous 11 matches at the time.

It seemed that England had found their form with the great collection of talent they have at their disposal. 

Starting the tournament with a convincing win over a weak Wales side, the England fans were encouraged that their high expectations could be met. 

However, after two heartbreaking defeats to Scotland and Ireland, England have to find a way to pull themselves out of this slump and finish the tournament strong.

Here, Sports News Blitz rugby writer James Corrigan gives his thoughts.

Italy challenge awaits

England face a fast and dynamic Italian side this weekend. The teams have met a total of 31 times.

Italy have never beaten England before but expectations for the Italians to claim victory have never been higher.

England's weaknesses have been exposed in back-to-back defeats. The question is, do they stick with the same players or do they need to make changes to get back to winning ways?

How the forwards could change

The England pack has looked strong in the scrum in all of their outings so far this tournament, however their line-out play has been below par.

Luke Cowan-Dickie was not at his expected standards when it came to his lineout throwing, killing many England attacks and failing to execute three throws in his short appearance against Ireland.

Jamie George looked more reliable when he made his early entry to the game from the bench, only 29 minutes into the first half against Ireland.

Theo Dan who has been training with the England squad could be an option to replace Luke Cowen-Dickie on the bench or even in the starting line-up, along with Jamie George taking the other spot in the match squad.

England have an immense amount of strength in depth in a number of positions across the pitch, especially within the forwards. 

Since the team were disappointing in most parts of the game against both Ireland and Scotland, some shock changes could be made. 

The England forwards have appeared to be switched off, as well as off the pace when it comes to reacting to their opponents quick decision making and speed at the breakdown. 

Chandler Cunningham-South is a name that hasn't featured for England so far in this Six Nations.

After having an impressive season in the Premiership, the powerful back-rower could be a great option to bring some physicality both in attack and defense to England's game. 

Maro Itoje accomplished his 100th cap against Ireland, however failed to mark the occasion with a good performance. 

With England struggling in the line-out, Alex Coles would be a good replacement for the  England captain.

Standing at 6' 7" it would give England two equally tall targets in Ollie Chesum and Alex Coles in the line-out and could result in a more secure set-piece play against Italy.

READ MORE: The Ever-Evolving Landscape Of UK Rugby

How the backs could change

The forwards weren't the only part of the England team that failed to impress, the backs were also equally disappointing.

George Ford was one of the first names on the team sheet in the minds of many England fans before the tournament began.

But the experienced fly-half produced a disappointing display against Ireland, missing two easy touchline kicks to the corner in the first half, as well as being unable to get control over the game. 

Marcus Smith, who has made appearances from the bench at full-back this tournament and Fin Smith who is also in the squad are potential replacements to the starting line-up. 

Both fly-halves are expected to take over from Ford in the coming years. This week in Rome could be a huge opportunity for one of them to prove why they should be first choice. 

Steve Borthwick will be hoping that these poor performances from Ford will be corrected in training.

However, if things aren't going to improve, a change at stand off could be needed.

Struggles in wide areas

England have struggled to compete in the air for kicks against both Ireland and Scotland. 

Henry Arundell is certainly a player that gets rugby fans on the edge of their seats when he has the ball in his hands. 

However, some flaws have been exposed in his game. 

Competing under the high ball has been the main area that hasn't been up to international standard.

Other teams are seeing him as an easy target to gain quick territory with a simple up-and-under kick. 

Not only is it a problem defensively, Arundell also failed to claim England's attacking up-and-under kicks. 

This England side has enormous depth in quality of wingers, who are waiting for the opportunity to impress.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The Biggest Talking Points in South African Rugby

Potential wing incumbent

Adam Radwan, the Leicester Tigers winger has had an impressive season so far in attack - scoring six tries and has also been reliable defensively and comfortable under the high ball. 

With a similar play style to Arundell, England would be able to play Radwan in a similar game plan but potentially come away with more positive results.

There is no doubt that the England squads that faced both Ireland and Scotland are definitely good enough to get the job done against Italy.

It all depends on if they are able to pull it together in training and then execute the game plan on Saturday.

If they can't, changes will be needed to help the team bounce back and finish the Six Nations strong.

READ NEXT: Six Nations third round winners and losers: Ireland and Scotland joy, woe for Wales