England Japan 3pm

MARO ITOJE is demanding a statement performance which leaves no doubt as to what England rugby is all about.

A week after being so far off the mark against Argentina as to be unrecognisable, Owen Farrell’s team get a chance to set the record straight.

“We need to break free and just go out there and be the players we know we are,” said Itoje. “The response I expect is a team full of energy, that is physical, tough, ready to take the game, not waiting and not wanting to see what happens.

“England are at our best when we are confrontational and aggressive, when we play flat and fast, and take the game to the opposition. We don’t want to take a backward step.”