England Under-19s launch next year's programme of international rugby when they take on Italy early in the New Year.
Head coach Nigel Redman today named a training squad of 26 for the game at Sunbury on Friday, January 5 (2.15pm).
The squad includes five survivors from the 2006 Under-19 World Championships in Dubai.
Newcastle Falcons full-back Alex Tait - the brother of England centre Mathew - is joined in the squad by Hugo Ellis (Wasps), Andy Saull (Saracens), Ben Thomas (Saracens) and Adam Greendale (Leeds Tykes), who were all part of the England team that recorded a best-ever third place finish.
Redman's coaching team will be augmented by new National Academy coach Mark Mapletoft, the former England fly-half who moves to the RFU from Saracens next week.
England Under-19s play three internationals this season before heading to the 2007 IRB Under-19 World Championship in Belfast in April.
After taking on Italy they travel to face Wales at Aberavon on March 2
(7.15) and host France at Henley on March 24 (2.15). Then they play Argentina, Samoa and New Zealand in the World Championship pool stages.
England Under-19 squad
Backs: Alex Tait (Newcastle Falcons), David Smith (Northampton), Gareth Griffiths (Bristol), Greg King (Worcester), Tom Bedford (Exeter Chiefs), Noah Cato (Saracens), David Howells (London Irish), Adam Greendale (Hymers College & Leeds Tykes), Alex Goode (Saracens), Michael Young (Newcastle Falcons), Johnny Arr (Worcester), Richard Bolt (Exeter Chiefs).
Forwards: Billy Moss (Bath), Jack Steadman (Bristol), Joe Williams (Gloucester), Nathan Catt (Bath), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), Scott Freer (Leeds Tykes), Ben Thomas (Saracens), Greg Gillanders (Leicester), Scott Hobson (Cornish Pirates), Matthew Cox (Worcester), Jon Fisher (Wellington College & London Irish), Andy Saull (Saracens), Garth Dew (Sale Sharks), Hugo Ellis (London Wasps).