England are a “desperate” side badly needing to rule in Rome to avoid a Six Nations “disaster”, according to former Test fullback Mike Brown.

Brown admits he is baffled by the sudden dramatic change in fortunes of Steve Borthwick’s men that has left them facing embarrassment.
Having gone into the championship riding high after 12 successive wins and as favourites alongside France, a first-ever defeat to Italy – who upset Scotland and pushed Ireland close – would leave them facing complete meltdown.
Brown, now director of rugby at Esher, says: “England are now desperate for that win becaus...