Newcastle Falcons' west Cumbrian hooker Jamie Blamire will make his first England Under-20s start tonight against Italy.

Seaton-born Blamire, 19, has been selected for the Under-20s Six Nations clash at the Northern Echo Arena, Darlington, as England look to stay unbeaten in this year's competition.

The former Workington Zebras player came off the bench in his side's comprehensive opening victory against France but missed out as Wales were brushed aside in the second game.

He was named in the England Under-20s' Elite Player Squad for the tournament last month and admitted his surprise at the decision.

"Playing in the Six Nations and World Championships would be one of the biggest achievements of my career," he said, speaking when he was selected.

"It all happened quite fast. I've been full-time at Falcons this year and I hadn't really heard anything about being picked.

"But then the Under-20s coach phoned me to say I was in the squad. I'm very pleased."

Blamire has previously played for England Under-18s and toured South Africa with the squad last summer.

The former Stainburn School pupil only became a member of Newcastle's senior academy structure in March last year.

It was a reward for his impressive performances within the Under-18s set-up last season.

The hooker has played club rugby for Tynedale along with his Falcons commitments, where he comes under the tutelage of Falcons' first-team hooker Scott Lawson.

His former Zebras youth coach Andrew Branthwaite said: "We are all delighted at the Workington club that he has gone on to earn England recognition, first at Under-18s and now at Under-20s.

"He clearly enjoyed the game and progressed through the District and County sides until he represented the north of England.

"I think it was his attitude which marked him out as one who would make progress."

Tonight's game kicks off at 7.45pm and is available on Sky Sports Mix.

England also host Scotland at Northampton on March 11 and finish-off in Ireland at Donnybrook on March 17.