I sulked after beating Wales over letting the guys down – Armitage

The London Irish full-back feared he would be dropped for Sunday's RSB Six Nations game with Italy in Rome after his least impressive game in an England jersey.

Armitage refused to take any credit for the vital interception which led to James Haskell scoring the match-winning try, claiming it was "a bit of luck".

But after conducting some harsh self-analysis, Armitage is now determined to redeem himself against the Italians having retained his place ahead of Northampton's Ben Foden.

"I was very disappointed about the Welsh game. We still won but on a personal level it was the worst game I have played for England," said Armitage.

"I felt I let the boys down. I wasn't in a very good mood on Saturday night and I sulked a little bit.

"I put my hand up in the (team) meeting and said 'I let you down, I will be better next week for you guys'. But I was pretty nervous about selection. Ben Foden is a great player. He has been playing really well, he is putting the pressure on and I'm feeling it.

"I am glad I have another opportunity. I feel I have a chance to repay the guys, repay the coaches. The Italy game can't come soon enough because the seven-day wait has been killing me."

Johnson will confirm the make-up of his bench today having delayed announcement due to concerns over injury and illness.

Captain Steve Borthwick has not trained all week after contracting a bug, and Simon Shaw was laid low on Wednesday while there is an injury doubt over Lewis Moody.