Six Nations 2024: Wales flanker James Botham out of England game

James Botham was winning his ninth Wales cap against Scotland

Flanker James Botham has been released from Wales' Six Nations squad because of a knee injury as prop Dillon Lewis and lock Seb Davies received call-ups.

Botham started and scored a try in the 27-26 defeat by Scotland but has been sent back to his club Cardiff for rehabilitation.

Lewis becomes the fourth Wales tight-head option along with Leon Brown, Keiron Assiratti and Archie Griffin.

Wales travel to face England on Saturday at Twickenham.

Davies, 27, can play lock or in the back row while Cardiff flanker Alex Mann replaced Botham against Scotland and scored a try on his international debut.

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Mackenzie Martin and Taine Basham are the other back-row options, with Taulupe Faletau and Jac Morgan missing through long-term injuries.

Prop Brown started the game against Scotland but was forced off at half-time because of a shoulder injury and replaced by Assiratti. Uncapped Bath prop Griffin is the other option in the squad.

Harlequins prop Lewis, 28, has played 54 internationals for Wales. The former Cardiff man was one of three tight-head props selected for the 2023 World Cup, alongside France-based Henry Thomas and Tomas Francis, who were not included in the original Six Nations squad.

Fly-half Sam Costelow is a doubt to face England, having being forced off the field in the first half against Scotland.

Head coach Warren Gatland afterwards confirmed he had failed a head injury assessment (HIA) during the game.

Wales have revealed since the issue was a neck problem rather than a concussion.

"The good news is it wasn't a concussion, but he's being assessed for a neural issue on his neck," said Wales attack coach Alex King.

"So, it's a positive thing it wasn't a concussion.

"He's up for selection, but it's a question whether he gets through his medical protocols."

Costelow was replaced by Ioan Lloyd who is in contention for a first Wales fly-half start at Twickenham.

Centre George North missed the defeat against Scotland with Owen Watkin partnering Nick Tompkins in midfield.

King says he has his "fingers crossed" when asked whether North would be fit to face England.

"He's training well," said King.

"The squad is getting announced later this week. It's good to have him back.

"He had a great World Cup and his relationship with Nick (Tompkins) in that midfield was one of the highlights of that campaign.

"It's frustrating he wasn't around last week, but I thought Owen had a good game and it's good to have some competition for places."

Lock Will Rowlands is also back in training after missing the Scotland game following the birth of his baby.

'England not unbeatable'

King believes Wales need to have a "no fear" approach when they face England.

Wales last toppled their fierce rivals in a Six Nations game on English soil 12 years ago and have lost on seven successive occasions at Twickenham since beating England there during the 2015 World Cup.

Wales will head to south west London after coming unstuck in a Cardiff classic against Scotland, although 26 unanswered points from being 27-0 adrift meant they almost completed the biggest comeback the Six Nations has seen.

England were pushed hard by Italy in Rome before recording a 27-24 verdict after trailing at half-time and being outscored on tries.

"They (England) have got a decent team - finishing third at the World Cup is testament to that," said King.

"They won some important games at the World Cup, and pushed South Africa close. They won some close games at the World Cup, they were able to get over the finish line in certain games.

"Like every team, they have got their weaknesses. It is up to us to exploit them on Saturday.

"It is important to show the lads England are a good team, but they are not unbeatable. That is the reality."

King says Wales can not afford another slow start.

"We need to show a no-fear game going down there, and put the pressure back on them," said King.

"We've got to take the game to England. We can't wait for them to see what they do, especially with 70,000 people shouting for them.

"We have got to present ourselves as we want to play, and not wait to see what England can do before we start responding.

"The pleasing thing is we came out and responded (against Scotland) and were magnificent. It's a shame we couldn't nail the victory with the momentum of the last 10 minutes.

"The attitude of the boys was spot-on. Now we have to use that to go to Twickenham."

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