Chris Robshaw is determined to hold on to the England captaincy when his trial of leadership comes to an end after today's Six Nations game with Italy.

The 25-year-old flanker, who has been Harlequins' skipper for more than two years, was given the job of leading his country for the first two tests in this year's competition.

Robshaw made his Six Nations debut in last week's 13-6 win over Scotland, but he is hopeful that a win in Rome will give him a strong chance of keeping the captaincy in the long term.

On Friday, he told the Daily Mail: "I want to keep the captaincy. It's the biggest honour of my career and 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.

"I don't worry that I've only got this chance. Every time you go out on to the pitch you try to play your best. As soon as you step out there you give everything you have."

Italy will be aiming to beat England for the first time in rugby union history.