England have received a Six Nations boost with Henry Slade’s red card being overturned by a disciplinary panel.

But it is understood the red card has been rescinded, leaving Slade free to play immediately.

England begin their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on 4 February with Slade a prime contender to start the match.

Slade was named in head coach Steve Borthwick’s 36-man squad on Monday alongside centres Manu Tuilagi, Dan Kelly and Joe Marchant, while Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly can also play in the midfield.

A red card for head contact carries a minimum six-game suspension, although this can be reduced to three games because of mitigating factors, while the completion of a World Rugby tackling course can reduce the ban by a further game.

Champions Cup organisers, EPCR, will release the official disciplinary decisions from the weekend on Wednesday morning.