SOUTHAMPTON-BORN Mike Brown insists the England Under-21s are about to reap the rewards of his coming of age at The Stoop.

The Harlequins centre is currently in France with the rest of the England squad for the Under-21 World Championships in after a barnstorming end to the season in Twickenham At the tender age of just 20, Brown is a permanent fixture in Jim Mallinder's team in an attacking back-line which includes Newcastle's Toby Flood and Gloucester's Ryan Lamb.

The former Peter Symonds College student will start at No.15 when England kick off their campaign against Fiji today.

Gloucester's Anthony Allen, who was also born in Southampton, on the bench after falling victim to an embarrassment of riches in the back division.

Brown is adamant he is ready to take the world by storm. "I'm happy with the club rugby I'm playing and the way I am progressing," he explained.

"I'm feeling good at the moment and it bodes well for this tournament.

"We've got a good blend and we will hopefully be competing with the likes of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa for the trophy that's the aim. The future looks good."