Six Nations: England must seize the moment, Leicester Tigers' Ben Youngs

Scrum-half Ben Youngs has called upon his England team mates to "seize the moment" as they look to make history in Cardiff today.

The Leicester Tigers half-back has been handed a starting shirt as Stuart Lancaster's side chase a first Grand Slam in 10 years.

Any win over Wales will secure that accolade, along with a Six Nations championship and a Triple Crown.

But a Wales win by seven points or more is likely to see them wrestle the title from England's grasp and Youngs will implore his team-mates to take their chance when it comes.

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"You've got to turn up and seize the moment," said the 23-year-old. "You get presented with these opportunities very rarely and when you do, you've got to take them.

"The Millennium Stadium is such a great place to play and, hopefully, to win a Grand Slam. Yes, its intimidating, yes it's a big loud stadium but it's also a great ground to play at whether the roof is open or closed.

"Two years ago, it was definitely the best place I've played in terms of atmosphere. It was electric and I'm sure it'll be no different this Saturday.

"We are all fully aware of the history between England and Wales and completely respect what's coming. But at the same time, you still have to go out there to win the game. It's a great opportunity for the players.

"It's basically the equivalent of a Heineken Cup or Premiership final.

"You have to win it. You must use that pressure and nerves to help you, but you can't let them get the better of you.

"How guys deal with that individually, is up to them, but I know Stuart will make sure everyone has their feet on the ground."

Youngs was part of the disappointed England team beaten 24-8 by Ireland, in Dublin, on the last leg of a Grand Slam quest in 2011.

The Leicester man received a yellow card on that day as the visitors were simply blown off the park by Ireland's physicality.

Youngs says the England side of 2013 is better equipped to deal with the pressures that will come their way this time around.

"There are five or six of us, I think, who were playing on that day and we learnt a huge amount from it," he said.

"There was more experience in the side two years ago. But the group in there now is a collective – we're all in it together.

"There's a huge culture and ethos within the team and that often steers you through.

"I'd definitely rather be in the position we are now than two years ago. We're in a stronger position now.

"There are a lot of guys who haven't experienced it yet, which is probably a good thing. They're at a good age and youth takes over, so you don't worry about it too much."