That England visit comes at a crucial time for Scotland and their coach Gregor Townsend.

He came into the tournament courted by Newcastle Red Bulls and with question marks over his commitment to the cause.

A tame display in some horrendous weather in Rome as Italy picked up a famous 18-15 win has left some calling for a change.

Former Scotland forward John Barclay told Rugby Special: “I thought before the Six Nations that Scotland had to finish third or above.

“If they don’t, which is now going to be very hard, I think it becomes a necessity to see a change.

“It’s a good group of players and if you are not seeing an improvement there is an option for change. That might be the best thing for Gregor and for Scotland.”

The conditions made the going tough, but it was Scotland’s heart, not hands, that were questioned.

“Italy were more aggressive and that’s down to desire, not the rain,” former Scotland and British and Irish Lions prop Peter Wright told BBC Scotland.

“Townsend is an experienced coach and should have known they couldn’t play the rugby they wanted to play in those conditions. Scotland lost the war in the set-pieces.”

The defeat was a fifth away loss in a row in the Six Nations for Scotland and their beleaguered coach.

Before the match, Townsend – who is contracted as head coach until the end of the 2027 World Cup – dismissed a report that he has agreed to take over at Newcastle Red Bulls after the World Cup as “pure speculation”.

More displays like this may make that contract end date a moot point. Scotland need to dig deep and find another level of performance against England.

Expect recalls for Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham to provide energy and – Scotland will hope – ammunition.