George said at the Six Nations launch on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) that he was ready for the pressure that took a dire toll on Farrell.
Farrell, captain since 2018, made himself unavailable for mental health reasons. He was mercilessly booed during the World Cup in France last year despite leading England to a second straight medal and replacing Jonny Wilkinson as England's all-time highest point-scorer.
"I have a good understanding of what might be out there to come, but at the same time I'm also hopeful that we've learned a lot of lessons from the Owen situation," George said.
"So I'm hopeful for a much more positive environment to be able to work in.
"I'm not hiding away from the fact there is additional pressure and responsibility. I personally think that pressure is a privilege."
Farrell was one of the first to congratulate George on his appointment this month. George said he wanted to take the captaincy on the spot but England coach Steve Borthwick told him to talk to family, mull the job over a weekend. George said he rang Borthwick as soon as Monday rolled around.
"For me, there are so many positives that come with this. This is the greatest achievement of my life," George said.
"Stepping out on the field in Rome (in England's opener on February 3 against Italy) is going to be one of the best moments that I will ever experience. I felt like it was a decision that if I had turned down for other reasons I would have absolutely regretted because I'm at a good stage of my career to step up and take this on."
England were one of five teams to change captains after the World Cup.
In the house 🔥� — Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) pic.twitter.com/BFqAJKXduRJanuary 22, 2024
Defending champions Ireland plumped for flanker Peter O'Mahony following the retirement of Jonathan Sexton; France went with No.8 Gregory Alldritt following Antoine Dupont's decision to try and win a Paris Olympics medal in sevens; Wales picked Dafydd Jenkins after injuries to co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake; and Scotland chose co-captains Rory Darge and Finn Russell after taking the armband off Jamie Ritchie.
Only Michele Lamaro was retained by Italy.
Former Munster captain O'Mahony has previously led Ireland 10 times when Sexton wasn't around, and wasn't expecting the armband ahead of James Ryan, Iain Henderson or Caelan Doris.
"It is pretty important around the place, and certainly on matchday, that you have that type of person in the dressing room, and Peter is certainly one of those," Ireland coach Andy Farrell said.
"He will do the country proud."
Ireland begin their title defence in Marseille on February 2 against title favourites France in the tournament opener, while Wales will host Scotland in the other game.
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