Eddie Jones and a magic sponge could hold the key to the Six ­Nations after the England head coach ­revealed a miraculous about-turn in the state of injuries for Sunday’s opening game against Italy in Rome. Jones reported a clean bill of health for Jack Nowell, Chris Robshaw, Maro Itoje and Mike Brown.

The entire 34-man squad was able to take a full part in training on Tuesday, a real boon for England’s prospects as they prepare for the defence of their title and a shot at an unprecedented three championships in a row. Nowell is the most surprising of the recoveries as Jones himself indicated only last week that he would be sidelined for three to four weeks after arriving in camp in Portugal with an ankle problem. Nowell goes into the ­selection mix for Friday’s team ­announcement along with Robshaw (back), Brown (eye vision) and Itoje (hip).

Jones wants to try out Nowell at outside centre – the coach ­compared him to All Black Conrad Smith – but acknowledges starting him there this weekend will be too soon. With only a six-day turnaround ahead of the second match against Wales at Twickenham, Jones is delighted to have a full complement at his disposal. It was Jones’s 58th birthday on Tuesday.