England, targeting an eighth successive RBS 6 Nations victory at the Azzurris expense, boast almost a half-century points average since Italy joined European rugbys most exclusive club in 2000.

It is an even sorrier tale for the Italians at Twickenham, where a 53-12 England win this weekend would be par for the course - based on scorelines in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

But Vickery, whose team displayed several encouraging signs in crushing Calcutta Cup opponents Scotland last Saturday, is quick to deflect any talk of a perceived England walkover.

Italy have got a really physical team - and with Alessandro Troncon coming back in at scrum-half, they have a huge amount of experience to add to what we already know about them, he said.

We got our driving game going against Scotland - and from a performance point of view, we made some huge steps forward. but we need to be better against an Italian pack that has real clout, size and knowledge.

We have to go up a gear, because it is a new challenge for us. We cannot afford to slip back into just thinking because we are England, then we will win.

While a Jonny Wilkinson-inspired England saw off the Scots, Italys pre-tournament optimism - suggesting improved performances and results - evaporated during a painful French lesson in Rome, where five visiting tries underpinned a 39-3 verdict.

Coach Pierre Berbizier has responded by making six changes for the trip to London, including a different front row and 91 times-capped Troncon making a Test comeback at the age of 33.

Vickery added: Italy will be very disappointed with their performance against France. They know they hugely under-performed by their own standards, and they will have nothing to lose coming to Twickenham.

They are a good side, and we know a lot of their players from the Premiership. If you try and play catch-up rugby with these guys you will be in trouble. They have firepower to match anybody.

We just have to win and not get carried away by the Scotland performance. Reputations are not made overnight - and if they are, they usually come crumbling down.

Against Scotland, there was a fear of losing - which helped our preparation. Where do we find our fear this week? It comes from not performing as well as we can.'