Sam Tomkins keen to 'play anywhere' for England this autumn

Wigan Warriors full-back Sam Tomkins says he is prepared to play at half-back for England if he is picked against France and New Zealand later this month.

The exceptional form of Zak Hardaker has fuelled speculation Tomkins may be moved from his usual berth to accommodate the Leeds Rhinos star.

"Everyone's got an opinion, but no one who picks the team has said where I'll be playing," said the former Man of Steel winner. "I'm happy to play anywhere for England, it's always a massive honour to pull on that jersey. Whatever the selectors choose, that's fine by me.

"I'm happy at full-back because I've played there for the past few years but I've played quite a lot of rugby at half-back, I've played internationally at half-back. It's something I feel I can handle so it doesn't bother me too much."

The switch to half-back would see Tomkins partner Gareth Widdop, something he says he would have no problem doing.

"Gareth is a brilliant player, he's been a stand-out for the St George Illawarra Dragons this year," he said of his potential partner.

"Since he left Melbourne he had a lot of critics saying he only played well there because he had people around him like Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. But he's shown everybody that he's a good player on his own and doesn't need those guys.

"He's steered St George to a lot of their wins this year. I'd love to see him in the team. Zak has also played brilliantly. He's a very talented player and I think this year, more than ever, he's been able to show that. 

"He's been playing at full-back and playing really well so I think the England coach, Steve McNamara, has got some decisions to make and some tough ones but they're probably headaches he'd like to have."

England face France at the Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, October 24, seven days before taking on the Kiwis in the first of their three-Test series at the KC Stadium in Hull.