Toby Flood is hoping to make an impact off the bench © Getty Images

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News: Farrell happy in hot seat

Teams: Farrell moves into No.10

Players/Officials: Owen Farrell | Toby Flood

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England | Wales

Fly-half Toby Flood insists Stuart Lancaster was right to select Owen Farrell in the starting line-up for England's Six Nations clash against Wales.

Flood has recovered from a knee injury to become available for selection for the Twickenham encounter, leaving many to expect his recall to the starting role following the withdrawal of the injured Charlie Hodgson. However, Flood claims he is happy to spend more time learning Lancaster's system before slipping on the No. 10 jersey.

"I was pretty comfortable with decision by Stuart Lancaster not to bring me straight back in the starting XV for the match against Wales after Charlie Hodgson was ruled out with a finger injury," Flood told The Telegraph. "I am just so excited to be back in the squad and am ready to take my chance if it comes from the bench.

"With the new system and structure in place, it is easier for Owen Farrell to control the game as he has been involved in the last two Six Nations matches, our close wins against Scotland and Italy. I am probably still calling things structurally-wise that probably aren't quite right because I haven't trained for long enough.

"I have only had a couple of days really and whenever I have trained I have been swapped in for a couple of reps and then taken out again because the starting side have trained a lot more together."

Flood believes Farrell is the right man to spark the England attack this weekend as they attempt to overcome a spirited and powerful Welsh backline.

"The reason the [England] backline probably hasn't fired yet is just because of the lack of time we have spent together so far. This, though is our third game together and the Twickenham factor is going to be massive for us.

"Wales are in form and had a great World Cup but we must remember that we beat them in Cardiff last year and six months ago in the World Cup warm-up. The most striking thing about this squad is the intensity and desire to play for one another. It was always there, it has been really pushed to the fore now.

"The guys will really hurt themselves for one another and work as hard as they can. It is no longer now about just doing enough. Working off the ball to create space, realign our defensive line or in attack is so important.

"I can sense there is a real bond between the whole squad now and hopefully we can translate the hard work into the big performance we all want so desperately to bring the smile back to the Twickenham crowd," said Flood.