England interim coach Stuart Lancaster described Owen Farrell’s potential as “phenomenal” after he was one of seven Saracens players picked in the Six Nations squad.

The 20-year-old back, whose father, Andy, will temporarily assist Lancaster as part of the coaching team, has rapidly risen through the ranks in just over a year of first-team rugby and his exceptional form for the champions resulted in his first call-up to the national squad.

Farrell was joined in the elite playing squad by uncapped centre Brad Barritt and it is feasible the midfield pair could line up together in England’s opener at Murrayfield against Scotland next month.

Lancaster said: “The quality of Owen Farrell’s performances speak for themselves – not just this season but also last season. He went to the Premiership final and kicked the penalties and won the game for Saracens.

“He has temperament, his potential is phenomenal, he has presence, he can play at ten but equally at 12, he looks like he offers us another option. He’s an exciting player for the future.

“Am I worried about Owen Farrell playing international rugby? No I’m not. Will he be dropped if he plays poorly and be kicked out of the squad? Absolutely no way. It’s about developing for the future.

“The highest compliment anyone can pay Owen is what he has just achieved. Owen is one of the youngest in the squad but he won’t be fazed by it at all. He is in on merit. He has temperament and presence and that is what we are looking for. He is also clearly a very good goalkicker.”

Lancaster continued: “Brad is someone I’ve coached regularly for the Saxons and he has been on the cusp of the England side. He has tremendous character first of all, attitude, work rate and he’s a good defender, effective ball carrier and ball player.

“I think he deserves an opportunity now to show what he can do on an international stage. Clearly for Saracens he’s been one of their most consistent performers over the last couple of years, and certainly this season, and I really think he’s grown in his role in the 13 channel with Charlie [Hodgson] at 10 and Owen at 12.”

Farrell, who has played just 44 club games, told the Saracens website: “I’m amazed to be included. It’s a massive honour to represent my country and I can’t express how excited I am. Everyone is talking about how exciting this young England squad is and I’d be delighted to play my part.”

Charlie Hodgson returns to the international set-up and is tipped to start the opening Six Nations match, with Toby Flood injured.

Second row Mouritz Botha has been rewarded for his consistency with a place in the squad but Steve Borthwick missed out despite talk of a recall for the former captain.

Matt Stevens kept his spot in the 32-man group and in-form winger David Strettle, who was unlucky to miss out on the World Cup last year, is back in the international set-up.

Andy Saull and Alex Goode, who will be promoted to the main squad to cover for the injured Manu Tuilagi, were both picked for the Saxons.

Sarries have struggled to get international recognition in recent years but their domestic form over the last two and a half seasons has finally been rewarded.

The Men in Black have a strong squad but this will be put to the test over the next two months, particularly in the backline, due to the likely absentees.

Barritt, who has been away with Saracens in Cape Town this week for warm weather training, said: “To have six Saracens players named in the squad is brilliant for the club. All the selected players are thankful to our team-mates and coaches who’ve given us a platform to represent the country.

“Over the last few years Sarries haven’t had much of a look-in, so it just shows how far we’ve come as a team. The success over the last few years has really put Sarries in the shop window and it’s a great moment for the club.”