But while Murrayfield will probably eclipse Stade de France - the venue for that big-stage debut - in terms of sheer hostility towards England this weekend, Croft feels he is ready.

The 22-year-old Leicester flanker replaces ankle-injury victim James Haskell when England look to retain the Calcutta Cup and maintain their RBS 6 Nations title hopes.

At 6ft 5ins tall and with pace to burn, Croft’s presence will enhance English hopes of not only winning, but racking up a sizeable margin of victory to potentially close the gap on tournament leaders Wales.

Scoring long-range tries has become a Croft speciality - as Leicester’s Cup final opponents last season the Ospreys would testify - while he also outpaced New Zealand Maori defenders during the 2007 Churchill Cup, also at Twickenham.

The Basingstoke-born prospect has developed a considerable reputation, despite only making his Guinness Premiership debut for Tigers little more than two years ago.

He said: “When you first start playing rugby, your aim is to play for England at some time in your life.

“Leicester has been my main job this season, and I thought maybe if I could be selected for the (England) Saxons it would be quite nice.

“The media has been saying potentially I could play for England, but potential is a big word you have to overcome, and fortunately I have now done that.”

Croft took over from Haskell barely 20 minutes into the action against France, and he recalled: “I was a bit on edge for the first 10 minutes, like a rabbit in headlights, but it was brilliant to be a part of.

“When I came out for the second half, I felt comfortable in my role. It is a massive shame James is injured - he has been playing very well this season for England and Wasps. He is the sort of player that will run through a wall.

“Hopefully, I am the sort of player who may try to run around it, bring that turn of speed and get away from some of their slower defenders.”

Even though Croft is an international rugby novice, he knows enough about Scotland versus England over the past 137 years to understand Saturday’s encounter will be no cakewalk.

Scotland have ambushed England twice in RBS 6 Nations history at Murrayfield, famously wrecking red rose Grand Slam dreams eight years ago and also toppling them on England’s last Edinburgh visit in 2006.

Only three players in England’s starting line-up this weekend - centre Jamie Noon, prop Andrew Sheridan and lock Steve Borthwick - survive from that 18-12 defeat when current Scotland fly-half Chris Paterson kicked 15 points.

Croft added: “There is a lot of history and rivalry with Scotland versus England. It is going to be a very physical, confrontational match, and the team that turns up on the day will win.

“Teams want to turn up and get one over on England just because it is England. We are disliked by most countries.

“Sometimes, it is a same sort of feeling playing for Leicester. Teams want to beat you because of the success we’ve had.

“Yes, I might have had my debut at Twickenham, which would have been nice, but to play away in France, in front of all the French who don’t really like you very much, does prepare you in some way for the reception we are going to get at Murrayfield.

“Scotland are very passionate about their rugby, and they will be cheering on their boys 100%. It will be a similar sort of atmosphere on Saturday (to Paris), if even more intense.”