England coach Andy Farrell believes that this year's World Cup will be the 'biggest ever' on a global scale.

The Red Rose, who narrowly missed out on the Six Nations title to Ireland last month, get things underway in 149 days' time when they take on Fiji at Twickenham.

Excitement is already building ahead of the showpiece event, and Farrell is keen for his side to make an impact.

"Rugby is going to the sport of the year with the World Cup coming up," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "It's as though the tournament is going to start in a few weeks' time.

"If it's already like it is now, I think we'll never have seen anything like it come World Cup time. The important thing on the back of that is obviously seizing the opportunity for the legacy after it.

"I've absolutely no doubt that this is going to be the biggest World Cup ever. You go to places like Gloucester or Exeter; you see the buzz around the place because they know it's coming. It's going to be fantastic."

England head into the World Cup as second favourites behind current champions New Zealand.