England are facing a tussle with Italy over Saracens No 10 Alex Lozowski after Eddie Jones earmarked the youngster for a wildcard Test call-up.

The 23-year-old has impressed since deputising as injury-cover for Owen Farrell, steering Sarries to the top of the Aviva Premiership with an unbeaten start to the season.

His father Rob played for England in the 1980s but the rookie is also eligible for Italy, who are short of fly-halves, and has been contacted by Azzurri coach Conor O’Shea.

Saracens fly-half Alex Lozowski (right) takes on Exeter centre Sam Hill at Sandy Park

The 23-year-old has impressed deputising as injury-cover for Owen Farrell this season

Lozowski qualifies to play for Italy and has been contacted by Azzurri coach Conor O’Shea

Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall said: ‘Alex has lived his whole life in England so it would be natural for him to play for them. But I know Italy are keen. Hopefully Eddie will be aware of that. Alex certainly has the potential to become an international rugby player.’

Jones said: ‘He’s got talent. He might be a guy who comes through and makes the England squad. Everyone is chasing Saracens. A young 10 has come in and they haven’t missed a beat.’

England head coach Eddie Jones earmarked Lozowski for a wildcard Test call-up

Manu Tuilagi’s hopes of a swift England recall are in danger after a recurrence of his groin injury. The Leicester centre will miss at least two weeks.

Northampton’s Dylan Hartley is fully fit despite coming off at half-time on Sunday. Joe Marler is 50-50 for Harlequins’ trip to Exeter on Saturday after picking up a shoulder injury.