Robinson's struggling world champions have already suffered the worst Six Nations campaign in their history following successive losses to Wales, France and Ireland and Twickenham's aura of invincibility is also under considerable threat.

If England come unstuck this weekend - they have never been beaten by Italy and the Azzurri have yet to record a Six Nations away win - then a fourth consecutive home loss would represent a 32-year low.

We really want to go out and play well,'' said Robinson, whose team will be captained for the first time by Leicester number eight Martin Corry following Jason Robinson's thumb operation.

''We have words on the board about fortress Twickenham and this time we want to recreate fortress Twickenham. It's all about making sure we hit the ground running.

''Winning is vital for us and it is about having that edge. To break down a side like Italy, whose defence has improved, we are going to have to perform well.

''One of the things you should never do is lose your home games. We are obviously disappointed that we have lost these games, particularly in the way we have lost them.

''In the last two, we were ahead and it was time to close the games down but we didn't do that.''

Robinson urged his side to press home any advantage they may gain against the Italians.

''It is about taking your opportunities. If you look at the Ireland game (in Dublin), it was disappointing that we scored and then immediately put ourselves under pressure by turning the ball over and allowing them to score.''

The England boss also expects a much-tougher encounter than in previous years against the fast-improving visitors.

''We think Italy have performed really well in the last three matches and they have been unfortunate,'' he said.

''Their pack is a real tough pack of forwards. They are formidable, well-drilled, tremendous at set-pieces and have some really good ball carriers.

''But the main focus is to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we've got our defence right and our attacking structure.