Given how long it has been since their last defeat, some in Middleton’s squad have never lost with England.
Avoiding complacency is surely a challenge, but the head coach said the intense competition for starting spots keeps players focused.
Middleton is rotating his 40-player squad through the first three games, giving all those fit to play an opportunity as he considers who should be picked for October’s World Cup.
Tournament organisers have not yet confirmed whether teams will be allowed squads of 36 or 30 in New Zealand, with Covid-19 a factor in the decision.
Either way, Middleton has some tough decisions to make – and he is not concerned any of his players may take victory for granted.
“They have a good understanding of why they haven’t lost yet,” he added.
Middleton cited “some very close games against France”, with the last three fixtures between the sides won by four points or fewer.
England’s game against the French in Bayonne on 30 April is likely to decide the Women’s Six Nations title, with the sides also facing each other in the World Cup pool stage.
“We have been in situations where we should have lost games, but it has been a really good trait of the side that we have managed to steal victory from defeat at times,” said Middleton.
“They understand that, in the biggest of games, the margins are fine.”
While the result in Italy may be easy to predict, the World Cup final on 12 November at Eden Park will be “the biggest of games”.
The ultimate prize – reclaiming the title of world champions from tournament hosts New Zealand – is seven months away. Regardless of who they play, England will not be easing off before then.