Wales captain Sam Warburton has acknowledged that his side face a real battle in overcoming England at this year's Rugby World Cup.

The Red Rose have been hit by a number of pre-tournament setbacks, with both Manu Tuilagi and Dylan Hartley being ruled out for disciplinary reasons.

However, Warburton insists that past experiences point to a tough contest when the two teams meet at the pool stage of the showpiece competition, regardless of any off-field issues between now and then.

"I have played against England maybe five times now and I am aware of what they are capable of doing and not capable of doing, as I am sure they are with us," the Daily Mail quotes the 26-year-old as saying.

"I don't believe they are the ten-man side that a lot of ill-advised fans will have you believe. We have got to cover all facets of the game to beat a top England team."

Australia, Fiji and Uruguay will join England and Wales in a tricky-looking Pool A.