Six Nations: Joe Marler provides England with fitness boost after return from Covid-19

England have received a boost ahead of their Six Nations opener with Scotland this weekend after Joe Marler returned to training.

The Harlequins prop has been in isolation after contracting Covid-19, but that is now finished and he returned to training on Tuesday.

Marler’s return is a boost for England boss Eddie Jones, who has been dealing with a number of fitness issues in the build-up to this year’s Six Nations.

Captain Owen Farrell is set to miss the whole championship, while wing Jonny May is also out of action too. Centre Manu Tuilagi is 50-50 to feature at some point over the next few months.

There are also concerns over lock Courtney Lawes, who has not trained since the squad met up last week.

Marler, however, has eased England’s woes by returning and he will hope to start Saturday’s match at Murrayfield after proving his fitness this week.