England captain Owen Farrell is unfairly criticised and has nothing to prove ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, says attack coach Richard Wigglesworth.

Farrell's name was booed when Steve Borthwick's team was announced ahead of the 30-24 quarter-final win over Fiji on Sunday, after he was selected at fly-half ahead of George Ford.

But the Saracens No10's selection was vindicated as he led the Red Roses to their most convincing performance at the World Cup so far against the Pacific Islanders.

Wigglesworth said: "He [Farrell] definitely doesn't have to prove anything.

"We are lucky to have Owen. As ever, the tallest trees catch the most wind and he seems to catch a fair bit.

"He's proven time and time and time again and I don't understand why in England we feel the need to not celebrate that, not enjoy it, just because he's not sat in front of social media or the media lapping all that up."

The 32-year-old kicked 20 points during a man-of-the-match performance in Marseille, including a crucial late drop goal and penalty to book a semi-final clash with South Africa on Saturday. 

Former scrum-half Wigglesworth, who played for England alongside Farrell, added: "He is incredibly serious about his career and he's an incredibly proud Englishman. 

"He affects any team he is in and he was brilliant for us — as we knew he would be.

"That was the maddening part of any noise. We knew what was coming from him."

Despite criticism during the tournament, England are now the only Northern Hemisphere team left at the World Cup after Wales, Ireland and France were sent packing in the last eight.