ENGLAND centre Will Greenwood will know exactly what to expect when he walks out on to Italian for the world champions' opening game of the Six Nations championship on Sunday.

And that is not just because Greenwood is armed with all the experience of a World Cup winner - he is well versed in all things Italian into the bargain.

The Hurst Green-born three-quarter spent six of his formative years living in Italy with his family.

The NEC Harlequins player, the son of former England skipper and Lancashire second row forward Dick Greenwood, is looking forward to his return to Rome.

"The Stadio Flaminio is where I grew up, running up and down those steps and watching my Dad play, so I know the stadium pretty well," said Greenwood.

"I can understand a bit of Italian and I wish I could speak a bit more.

"My mum says those six years were some of the happiest times in the Greenwood family."

And Greenwood adds to responsibilities as he lines up for the world champions' first competitive international since claiming the William Webb Ellis Trophy by beating hosts Australia in Sydney in November.

He has been named as England's vice-captain, following Lawrence Dallaglio's elevation to captain following Martin Johnson's retirement from international rugby.

Greenwood as ever will be the main inspiration for England's back division and he will line-up alongside Sale Sharks Jason Robinson, his first cap at centre, with Blackburn-born Iain Balshaw brought in at full-back and with Josh Lewsey and Ben Cohen operating on the wings.

However, they play behind a half-back pairing lacking Jonny Wilkinson, who is out with a shoulder injury, though scrum half Andy Gomarsall and fly-half Paul Garyson, the Chorley-born kicker who plays for Nothampton, are hardly lacking in international experience.

"Jonny has proved himself to be a world-class performer and he plays a very key role within the team," said England coach Clive Woodward.

"But we have very capable people who can fill his boots. Paul Grayson is fully aware of the role he has to fulfil at the weekend."

England: Balshaw; Lewsey, Greenwood, Robinson, Cohen; Grayson, Gomarsall; Woodman, Thompson, Vickery, Grewcock, Kay, Worlsey, Hill, Dallaglio