In the absence of IRB Junior Player of the Year George Ford, Walker takes over the captaincy while the fly-half berth and kicking responsibilities are filled by Leeds Carnegie’s Tommy Bell.

That is one of several changes head coach Rob Hunter has made to his backline after beating Scotland 59-3 last Friday.

Bell, Anthony Watson, Sam Hill and Josh Bassett come in to the three-quarters while Scott Spurling and Dominic Barrow enter the pack. Marland Yarde, who scored a first-half hat-trick in Scotland, is not in the squad.

England beat Italy 74-3 in last year’s RBS 6 Nations with Andy Short and Elliot Daly scoring four tries apiece.

However Walker says the 2012 Azzurri juniors pose a whole new challenge.  

“It’s a massive honour to be named captain for this game,” he said.

“Italy are a good side and playing in front of their fans in Rovigo won’t be easy. We’ve had a good week in camp and the boys have worked hard and are looking in good shape.

"Last season's group enjoyed a good win against Italy, but we're not thinking about that for one second – this is a different group of players.

“I captained England at Under 18 level in 2010 when we played South Africa so I know the responsibility that goes with it, but I’ll enjoy and relish the opportunity to lead such a talented bunch of lads.”

England Under 20s
15. Ben Ransom
14. Anthony Watson
13. Charlie Walker
12. Sam Hill
11. Josh Bassett
10. Tommy Bell
9. Dan Robson
1. Luke Cowan-Dickie
2. Scott Spurling
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Tom Price
5. George Merrick
6. Dominic Barrow
7. Chris Walker (C)
8. Jack Clifford

Replacements:
16. Nathan Morris
17. Alec Hepburn
18. Ross Harrison
19. Elliot Stooke
20. Will Skuse
21. Ben Spencer
22. Henry Slade
23. Jack Arnott