The China Mail - Itoje tells faltering England to 'take the game to Italy' in Six Nations

Consecutive defeats by Scotland and Ireland, including a 42-21 drubbing by the Irish at Twickenham, ended the title ambitions of an England side on a 12-game winning streak following a first-round thrashing of Wales.

Italy have lost all 32 of their previous Tests against England.

But after starting the Championship with victory over Scotland before competitive displays in defeats by Ireland and France, it would be no great surprise were the Azzurri to end that unwanted run against England at the Stadio Olimpico.

Poor starts, including ill-discipline that led to yellow cards, were features of surprisingly timid England displays against both Scotland and Ireland.

And England captain Itoje knows they cannot afford a repeat performance against Italy.

"We have a responsibility to ourselves, to everyone in the room, everyone in this programme and our fans," Itoje said.

"The very best of ourselves is aggressive, the very best of ourselves is confrontational, the very best of ourselves is accurate. We need to make sure we deliver on that."

The 31-year-old Saracens lock added: "Italy are a very good side. It's not about us waiting to see what happens or how they shape up. As soon as the game starts, it's about us taking the game to them.

"I think we're going to see a response. I think we're going to see energy, life and bounce in our step. That is definitely what is required.

"We all care, we all want to win. When you don't win it heightens the emotions even more.

"There has definitely been an emotional response at training. The most important thing is we see it in the game."

E.Choi--ThChM