Owen Farrell eager to prove point after being reinstated as England captain

Owen Farrell will stay true to his fiery nature as he strives to inspire England to victory over Argentina on Sunday, after being reinstated as captain.

Saracens’ 31-year-old playmaker was cleared to start against the Pumas, after recovering from a head injury – and he will lead the national team again in the absence of Courtney Lawes. 

Head coach Eddie Jones said: ‘Owen wants to be captain,’ and the man himself added: ‘There is pride, definitely.’ 

Owen Farrell (left) will lead England against Argentina after being reinstated as captain

Farrell is determined to bring his innate intensity and competitive, confrontational streak to the role, saying: ‘There are different captains all over the world. 

‘There have been really, really calm ones that are good and there have been some explosive ones that have been really good as well – there are still a few knocking about now. 

‘I want to be me and I want to work on how I can be a better me.

‘The big thing for me is that, from however long ago it was when I did start captaining, hopefully I’ve improved. I’ve worked hard on it, so I hope so, and I hope I’ve got better while still being me.’ 

Saracens star (middle) is determined to do it his way but show he has got ‘better’ as a leader

Eddie Jones has called on his players to be on the charm offensive when it comes to officials

England head coach Eddie Jones wants his side to be on a charm offensive with the officials, to avoid disciplinary disruption, so Farrell knows he has to strike a balance in his dealings with Irish referee Andrew Brace in the autumn opener. 

‘The challenge for me is obviously the way that I play the game and the way I present myself at times when I’m playing the game,’ he said. 

‘I don’t think it’s necessarily what I say, it is sometimes making sure that you’re giving off the right message as well.’ 

Jones included Farrell in a new 10-12-13 combination alongside Marcus Smith and Manu Tuilagi, with Joe Cokanasiga recalled on the wing and Alex Coles starting in the pack on his Test debut – as forecast by Sportsmail on Thursday.