Lesson learned.

England captain Owen Farrell has spoken out for the first time following his four-match ban for a no-arms tackle on Wales flanker Taine Basham last month.

Farrell was red-carded on the day for the hit following a bunker review but later had it rescinded by a panel run by tournament organisers, Six Nations Rugby.

But following a review, World Rugby stepped in and appealed the decision. They overturned the decision by Six Nations Rugby, with Farrell handed a four-match ban that will see him miss England’s opening two games at the Rugby World Cup against Argentina and Japan.

Farrell has admitted that he “made a mistake” and his “gutted” to be missing out on England’s tournament opener this weekend.

“Obviously you don’t want to go back too far and I don’t want to be sat here talking about this now. I want to be talking about the weekend,” he told reporters.

“I made a mistake and I got banned for it in the end. I’m not going to sit here and moan about it now. I’m excited for this World Cup to start. I’m excited to see what this team can do and I look forward to being available again.

“I’m gutted not to be playing and I’m gutted not to be available. Especially a big game like this at the weekend.

“I’ve even always wanted to play at Stade Velodrome, ever since watching the quarter-final in 2007.

“I’m excited for the team now. There’s a really good feeling about the World Cup starting in France now. I’m excited to play my role in that.”

England take on Argentina this Saturday at 8pm.