Borthwick's squad included six Saracens players - Ben Earl, Theo Dan, Tom Willis, Elliot Daly, Itoje and George.

McCall said despite the disappointing news, George been the same "phenomenal team-mate" in Saracens training.

"Jamie George has never had to have the label or the badge of captain to be a good leader," he added.

George and Itoje have been part of three winning England squads at the Six Nations - including the Grand Slam in 2016 - and reached the final of the 2019 World Cup.

"I think Maro always knows that the best way for him to lead is by actions - lots of important actions and game-changing actions," McCall said.

"He's done that for years and he knows that the key to his leadership is what he does on the field."