Owen Farrell rated at '50-50' to be fit for England's Six Nations clash with Italy

England coach Stuart Lancaster has rated Owen Farrell at '50-50' to be fit for the Six Nations clash with Italy.

The fly-half suffered a thigh injury during the victory over France last weekend and is facing a battle to be ready for the Twickenham showdown on March 10.

Leicester's Toby Flood, who came on in Farrell's place against France, is on standby to replace the 21-year-old Saracens star.

"Owen is making good progress and he's 50-50 for the Italy game," said Lancaster. "In the next week he'll be running, but the problem will be kicking. If there's a doubt we won't risk it."