World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has admitted to being impressed by fellow fly-half Owen Farrell, who he believes is "blossoming" in an England shirt.

Wilkinson insists that Farrell, who made his international debut in 2012, has the mental attributes to lead England to success ahead of next year's World Cup.

"He's blossoming into a major leader in that team and when it comes to World Cups that's what you need," Wilkinson told BBC Sport.

"He's shown a mental toughness to date that has been phenomenal.

"When you have an attitude like that youth is a bonus - it's not about inexperience, it's about being young and full of energy, which goes with his mental toughness."

Farrell has scored 210 points in international rugby since his debut.