George Williams hails England's Dom Young and Jack Welsby

Winger Dom Young and utility back Jack Welsby, both just 21, have been central to England's impressive start to the tournament which has seen them book their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare.

Young earned his call-up after an eye-catching performance in England's warm-up game against Fiji and has scored two tries in each of his first two games for his country, including a length-of-the-field spectacular in Saturday's 42-18 win over France.

"Young Dom is probably the most athletic player I've seen," said Warrington Wolves half-back Williams.

"I've played with some pretty athletic blokes and I think he's up there.

"He's 6ft 6in, fast and strong and you've seen how he moves. The sky's the limit for that bloke.

"I think being in Australia will do him the world of good. He's got all the attributes and he's doing the hard stuff out of yardage too."

Dom Young scored twice against France on Saturday (Image: SWPix.com)

Welsby – so pivotal in St Helens' last three Grand Final triumphs – is proving just as influential to the national team.

He partnered Williams in the halves in England's opening 60-6 win over Samoa and, after starting on the bench at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday, showed some classy touches at full-back and centre.

"He's a talent, a natural rugby player," said Williams.

"Put him on the wing, at full-back in the halves, even in the middle, he'd be able to create something.

"He's a good kid too, willing to learn. Obviously he's done a lot already in his career but he's always listening and trying to get better.

"He understands the game as well so he's another one where the sky is the limit."

Jack Welsby scored the first try of the World Cup against Samoa (Image: SWPix.com)