Redman said: "Italy scored more points against us last year than any other team, they are passionate about the scrum and they have the flair and skill levels to cause us problems. We've got to be very careful.

"But this group are training well and they've worked very hard. I hope to see an edge to the way they play individually and collectively, and to see if they can put our attacking framework into practice against good opposition."

England go on to play Wales on March 2 at Aberavon (7.15) and France on March 24 at Henley (4pm) before going to the World Championship. In Belfast their opponents in the pool stage are Argentina, Samoa and New Zealand.

England Under-19 (v Italy at Sunbury, January 5, 2.15pm)

15 Alex Tait (vice-captain, Newcastle Falcons)
14 Noah Cato (Saracens)
13 Tom Bedford (Exeter Chiefs)
12 Gareth Griffiths (Bristol Rugby)
11 David Smith (Northampton Saints)
10 Adam Greendale (Hymers College & Leeds Tykes)
9 Richard Bolt (Exeter Chiefs)
1 Jack Steadman (Bristol Rugby)
2 Joe Williams (Cinderford)
3 Nathan Catt (Bath Rugby)
4 Greg Gillanders (Leicester Tigers)
5 Ben Thomas (Saracens)
6 Matthew Cox (Worcester)
7 Andy Saull (Saracens)
8 Hugo Ellis (captain, London Wasps)

Replacements

16 Scott Freer (Leeds Tykes)
17 Alex Corbisiero (London Irish)
18 Billy Moss (Bath Rugby)
19 Scott Hobson (Cornish Pirates)
20 Jon Fisher (Wellington College & London Irish)
21 Garth Dew (Sale Sharks)
22 Johnny Arr (Worcester)
23 Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons)
24 David Howells (London Irish)
25 Greg King (Worcester)
26 Alex Goode (Saracens)