England legend backs Owen Farrell to continue as skipper

"Did Martin Johnson win the World Cup on his own?" he asked on social media.

"Farrell needs help and support from his senior players - and he will get it."

"Why do pundits think leadership and fortunes of a team rest with one man?" continued Carling, who joined Eddie Jones' management team at the end of last year.

"Farrell is a fearsome competitor - a young captain with a real desire to learn and improve.

"I might be biased, but he has all the traits that I would follow.

"The man is a world-class player and just needs time before he is the same as a captain."