Robshaw couldn’t have asked for a better result in his first game as captain as England won at Murrayfield for the first time in eight years – seeing off the charge of Scotland 13-6.

Interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has stuck with the same starting XV for the trip to Italy meaning Robshaw will once again lead the defending champions in Rome.

The Harlequins back-row has made no bones about his desire to become England’s full-time captain and has vowed to show it by matching Italy’s intensity at the Stadio Olimpico.

“Coming to Italy, to their capital in the heart of their country, is not easy and they are getting better year on year. They will want to go out and prove they are a rugby force,” said Robshaw.

“Everyone knows about the Italian passion but we have to match that. Everyone who is in this set-up at the moment is so passionate to play for their country.

“We will have to front up. We are under no illusions, we know what passion is coming. It is about going toe to toe with each other.

“Italy are always a very physical and passionate side, they will hold the ball through phases and they will have a go through the forwards.

“The win against Scotland showed the character of our guys. When you go away from home it is you against a whole nation.

“I want to keep the captaincy. It’s the biggest honour of my career and last Saturday was one of my proudest days – leading the guys out and singing the national anthem.

“It’s one of those things you wish could continue long into the future. But we’ve first got to take care of Italy.”