Moody was England’s standout player in an otherwise miserable autumn international campaign and he produced another all-action performance in last weekend’s 30-17 victory over Wales.

England will need Moody at his abrasive best when they face the Azzurri on Sunday – and he is relishing the prospect.

“In terms of physicality Italy are right up there as one of the best teams in the world. That is what their game is about,” he said.

“Like Scotland, when they are at home they have an ability to pick themselves up by 50%.

“It is going to take every bit of our dog, heart and enthusiasm to get a result in Rome.”

The 31-year-old considered quitting the game last year after breaking his ankle during a Leicester training session, having only just recovered from operations on his hip and Achilles.

Shattered by another major set-back, he could not contemplate any more arduous, painful hours of rehabilitation.

But Moody’s wife, Annie, talked him out of retirement – and in doing so she performed a great service for both Leicester and England.

“It has just been fantastic for me to have a consistent run of games without any problems getting in the way,” said Moody, recalling the hip, Achilles and ankle injuries which almost ended his career.

“I have had three huge operations in the last two seasons and to come out the other side, after doubting whether I would, and to be able to play again with this team and pull on the jersey of England is huge for me.

“I love it and I will make sure I make the most of every opportunity until those days are past. I very much looking forward to the next game.”

Moody also believes his form this season for Leicester and England is the best since he first broke into the national team, at the expense of Lawrence Dallaglio, in 2002.

But he is far more valuable to the red rose cause now.

In those days, playing in the shadow of England’s magnificent back-row trinity of Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back and Richard Hill, he was a tearaway and often a liability.

Today, Moody is no less committed – his safety-last approach was to the fore when he clattered into Wales fly-half Stephen Jones last weekend – but he has matured into a key leader for England.

Manager Martin Johnson rates him as captaincy material and team-mate Mark Cueto said: “Moodos is the ultimate leader by example.

“He will run into a brick wall, he will run under a bus for you on match day and that is exactly what you want. It is inspiring for everyone else.”

Italy have built a reputation for being a nuisance and stopping opposing teams from playing. There have not been too many classic Six Nations matches over the last decade involving the Azzurri.

Moody knows it could take the best part of 80 minutes to break Nick Mallett’s side down, and he takes heart that England can cope with those demands from the character and composure they showed against Wales.

“At 20-17 it was a make-or-break game and thankfully, due to the work we have done off the pitch as a group, we put complete trust in each other,” said Moody.

England manager Martin Johnson will name his team to face Italy tomorrow lunchtime.

Riki Flutey is available for selection having missed the Wales victory with a dead leg and he is likely to come back into the team at inside centre.