England vs Wales: Owen Farrell unconcerned by call-up furore ahead of Rugby World Cup clash

Owen Farrell today insisted he was not bothered by the furore that followed his inclusion in the England team ahead of George Ford to face Wales in the World Cup at Twickenham tomorrow.

Farrell is expected to deliver a better kicking game and shore up the England defence alongside Sam Burgess, the former league star, who is making his first start for his country in union.

The Saracens outside half was bullish when questioned about his selection at Twickenham today stating: “Criticism doesn’t matter and it doesn’t motivate me.

“George and I try and push each other and people can say what want – it is only what is said inside the camp that matters to me and they are giving me massive confidence.

“This is the kind of match that you play rugby for and why we have trained all summer. George and I are very open with each other and lay everything out there. We are two people who are obsessed with the game and we are probably pretty boring!”

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree denied England were trying to create a siege mentality in the face of the Welsh challenge and pointed out that two successive wins by England over their bitter rivals would have an effect on the opposition. He explained:”There is no siege mentality and is just our mentality going forward. We have won the last two games and so they will and so they will come to Twickenham with some doubts.

“Our loss to Wales in 2013 was a defining moment for this team and we learnt about the physicality that is required and those two games with Wales have reflected that.”

Chris Robshaw passes Martin Johnson’s number of games as captain tomorrow leaving only Will Carling ahead of the Harlequins flanker.” Chris has been developing nicely and could go on to be a leader like Jonno. The players follow Chris because of his work ethic and he leads by example.”