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Marcus Smith's late drop-goal sparked wild scenes of celebration at Twickenham in 2024 as England snatched a dramatic victory that denied Andy Farrell's side back-to-back Grand Slams.

2025: Ireland 27–22 England

2024: England 23–22 Ireland

2023: Ireland 29-10 England

2022: Ireland 29-16 England

2021: England 15-32 Ireland

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI senior journalist at Allianz Stadium

Crowley's return to the starting line-up is not surprising given Sam Prendergast's struggles against Italy.

While Crowley kicked a penalty dead at the end of the game to deny Ireland a possible bonus-point try, Farrell - who last week hit out at "keyboard warriors" stoking the fly-half debate - said he played "outstandingly well" after replacing Prendergast.

Crowley only started one game in last year's Six Nations after playing every minute of Ireland's triumphant 2024 campaign.

BBC Sounds

Here’s a reminder that commentary of England v Ireland is also available on BBC Sounds – so you can listen on the go with the Sounds app.

Want to listen on your smart speaker at home? Just say “Play BBC Radio 5 Live” or “Play BBC Radio Ulster”

To keep up with all the reaction in our rugby podcasts, just search ‘rugby’ on BBC Sounds.

As well as Henry Pollock, Jack Crowley's another player who has been given a chance today.

Conor and Gavin break down the selection, explain why criticism could fuel Ireland’s response, highlight the key battles up front and predict a defining, emotional showdown with England.

Listen here on BBC Sounds

Watch: The Ireland Rugby Social on You Tube , external

Image source, BBC Sport

Alastair Telfer
BBC Sport at Allianz Stadium

Shock... Henry Pollock's name is given a huge reception. Probably the biggest.

Agree? Disagree? Has the British and Irish Lions tour affected Ireland's form?

Hit the thumbs.

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Ireland tight-head prop Tadhg Furlong feels it is "not much of an excuse" for players to use last summer's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia as a reason for any dip in form.

In all, there were 18 Irish players involved in Andy Farrell's squad and while there have been suggestions some may be suffering from a post-tour hangover, Furlong feels it may be more of a mindset issue.

The 33-year-old acknowledged that the extra games can take an added toll on the body, but was quick to point out that the balance was somewhat redressed by a shorter pre-season.

Furlong took part in his third Lions tour and having experience of players losing form in the aftermath, suggests it may even be a case of some thinking "they're better than they are".

"It puts extra strain on your body and some of the lads play eight games on those tours, but does it have a hangover? I'm not sure, as the Irish system you get a good pre-season although it was short this year and straight into rugby," Furlong said.

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• Ireland have won four of their last five meetings with England in the Six Nations
• England’s solitary victory in that run came during the last Twickenham meeting in 2024
• The past two Six Nations meetings have both been won by the side trailing at half-time - by England in 2024 and Ireland in 2025
• Ireland have won five out of 13 away Six Nations fixtures against England - the most of any team

Alastair Telfer
BBC Sport at Allianz Stadium

I was on the hunt for spilt loyalties and found just the family.

Phil (far right), who was born in Dublin, and Libby (second from the right) got married in October and received an epic wedding present - two tickets to the game.

They both live in Oxford but Phi ensured his son supported Ireland and Leinster growing him up.

Shay attended the 2012 Heineken Cup final between Ulster and Leinster here and has no doubt about his loyalty.

“It has always been Ireland,” he added.

His fiancé Molly got two surprise tickets off her father for the game.

Ireland by five is Phil and Shay’s prediction, while Libby is convinced England win by 14.

Will it be one big happy family by this evening?

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI senior journalist

The last time Ireland visited Allianz Stadium, in 2024, they had just equalled England's Six Nations record of 11 straight wins and were chasing the rarefied air of back-to-back Grand Slams.

Since that 23-22 defeat, however, Ireland have lost six times in 20 Tests. All six of those losses have come against the other three nations - South Africa, New Zealand and France - currently ranked higher than Andy Farrell's side.

In the 12 months since beating England in last year's Six Nations, Ireland have lost to France (twice), the All Blacks and the Springboks by a combined 61 points.

Their miserable return to Paris a fortnight ago ended with their heaviest Six Nations loss in 16 years, giving fuel to the 'Ireland in decline' debate.

But from an Irish perspective, there is no better way to flip the narrative than a big win over the English, who are wounded from last week's Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland.

I love these words from Jamie George on his team-mate Henry Pollock from December on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

He said: "Henry is different - I have never met anyone like him.

"He is himself, unapologetically himself and he is genuinely fascinating - he is an energy ball I have never seen before.

"He has an insane level of confidence. He walks into the room and tries to dominate everything and the kid is 19. It is mad.

"But he is genuinely brilliant. He is an idiot, but he is our idiot."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

So who could be a star performer? Maro Itoje? Jack Crowley?

Today's match against Ireland - which England likely need to win to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive - will also be Henry Pollock's first Test start.

In less than six months last year, Pollock went from being an England Under-20 player to playing for the British and Irish Lions.

Impressive performances off the bench against Scotland and Wales have earned him a start at number eight, a position where he has scored six tries in his past five starts for Northampton Saints.

Maro Itoje has a special pair of shiny red boots for his 100th cap.

Odds on the England captain firing over a winning drop-goal today?

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England Rugby

England centre Fraser Dingwall speaking to BBC Sport on the mood after last week's defeat by Scotland: "We have found comfort in going into another game immediately.

"Henry [Pollock] is someone with unbelievable energy and he is incredibly consistent. He is a brilliant rugby player with some incredible attributes and it's all underpinned by this huge energy."

On Maro Itoje's 100th Cap: "There is so much to be said about him. To play 100 times for you country is huge but to then do it as a captain shows his off-field attributes and we intend to make it a special one for him."

Alastair Telfer
BBC Sport at Allianz Stadium

I spotted Chester and Alex, who are both 11, throwing a rugby ball around outside the stadium.

Given Chester was rocking a hairstyle similar to Henry Pollock, I thought his favourite player would be obvious.

“My favourite player is Henry Arundell,” Chester told BBC Sport.

“I like him because the is fast, he is definitely quicker than Pollock.

Bath wing Arundell, 23, is the second youngest starter in the England team behind Pollock, 21, which shows how speed and energy excites the youth of today.

“Pollock is my favourite player as he winds people up,” Alex added.

“I think the game will be close and Ireland might win.”

Chester is sure of an England win but agreed it will be close.

And, if you fancy watching Scotland stun England, press on the video below (although England fans might want to look away).

Before we get too far into pour build-up, let me just remind you where both teams are at coming into this one.

Last weekend Ireland rallied to produce a comeback win over Italy - and record their first win of the championship after losing to France in their opening match: