Having impressed on the international stage in his first two caps, England (5/1 Six Nations outright) centre Owen Farrell has been compared with World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson by Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins ahead of the showdown between England and Wales on Saturday.

The Saracens playmaker made his debut in the Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland earlier this month, as England secured their first victory at Murrayfield since 2004.

Farrell was also a key figure in England’s narrow victory over Italy in the freezing conditions in Rome last weekend and is now in line to take on Wales at Twickenham (England 13/10, draw 18/1, Wales 8/13).

The Welsh are heading into the encounter at the home of rugby looking for the Triple Crown title, having already secured deserved victories over Ireland and Scotland.

Former Wales No.10 Jenkins believes Farrell has a bright future ahead of him and feels he is a similar player to England great Wilkinson.

He said: “Owen is obviously an outstanding talent, and he has got a good coach there with his father Andy. He reminds me a lot of a young Jonny Wilkinson.

“When Jonny first stepped up at international level, he was a centre, as Owen is at this moment in time.

“Maybe in the long run, Owen might end up being a 10, so there are a lot of similarities. He is a very good goalkicker and a very good player.”