Jones names his 45-man squad on Friday for the autumn internationals

England wildcard Alex Lozowski has vowed not to switch allegiance to Italy if he is left out of Eddie Jones’s 45-man squad on Friday for the autumn internationals.

The dual-qualified No 10 is wanted by both nations, with Jones publicly praising the 23-year-old and considering a fast-track pass to his Red Rose squad.

Italy coach Conor O’Shea has also been in contact with the rookie, who has started all of Saracens games this season since deputising for injured Owen Farrell.

Dual-qualified Saracens No 10 Alex Lozowski is wanted by both England and Italy

‘It was a bit of surprise to hear Eddie’s comments,’ Lozowski told Sportsmail. ‘I’ve lived in England my whole life and playing for England would be the ultimate — it’s what I dreamed of.

‘I don’t want to slam the Italy door shut but, at this stage, I don’t want to rule myself out for England. I’m under no illusions because it’s clear England have a great bunch of young fly-halves.

‘But there’s also the agreement I made with Saracens; that I would cover during the international periods. If I tell them now that I want to go and play for Italy, that leaves the club in the lurch.’

Lozowski has deputised superbly for the injured Owen Farrell for Sarries this season

Saracens could be forced to bring in an additional No 10 if Lozowski, who played football for Chelsea’s academy before switching to rugby, commits to a Test career.

O’Shea told Sportsmail that he will not pressurise the fly-half to make a decision, but revealed that he almost signed the youngster when he was coaching Harlequins.

‘Alex is a player I’ve admired for a long time,’ said O’Shea. ‘I’ve known him for around three years and I’ve known his dad [Rob, who player for England] for even longer.

England coach Eddie Jones names his 45-man squad on Friday for the autumn internationals

‘I spoke to him about coming to Harlequins a while ago and I spoke to him before our summer tour. I’m well aware of who he is. We’ll talk again when he wants to make a decision.

‘We’ve got a fantastic group of players in Italy. In terms of 10s, Carlo Canna and Tommy Allen are fantastic options for us. In terms of Alex, I’ll leave him to focus on Saracens.’

Farrell is yet to play this season, leaving Jones sweating ahead of Friday’s announcement, but Saracens are hopeful lock George Kruis will return to action this weekend.

Harlequins prop Joe Marler suffered a head knock in the opening minute against Saracens

Harlequins prop Joe Marler and scrum-half Danny Care are both awaiting medical feedback on a head and rib injuries, which could add to England’s woes.

Sportsmail understands that Gloucester winger Jonny May, who has not played in 2016, is targeting a comeback against Bayonne on October 15.