That came at centre against Scotland at Murrayfield with a second successive appearance in the same position following a week later as England, this time, travelled to Italy.

England came out on top in both games – Farrell’s kicking, six penalties and two conversions, proving vital – but he will swap the No.12 jersey for the No.10 against Wales on Saturday.

That became the case after Charlie Hodgson, who started at fly-half against Scotland and Italy, injured a finger in training with Manu Tuilagi coming into the centre alongside Brad Barritt.

At 20 Farrell is a year older and year younger than when Wilkinson and Hodgson respectively made their debuts at fly-half and with Richard Hill among those leading the comparisons – he is relishing the role.

“I have always been a person who speaks up. I have always been loud and a person to bring as much energy as I can to a game. I have always wanted to be a person who guides the team,” said Farrell.

“You have some responsibility but you have some unbelievable players around you. If there was one midfield you were going to play with, I wouldn’t want it to be anybody but them.

“As far as being comfortable is concerned, our midfield is made up of two really destructive players and hopefully it is going to work really well.

“You can be as prepared as you want to be, you still have to stop Manu. Wales have some powerful centres themselves. It will be a real battle and I am really looking forward to it.”