Tomkins full of himself in World quest

DEBATES about which players will line up for England in the World Cup have already started – and full-back is a key position with three stand-out candidates.

Sam Tomkins (above) has been in outstanding form for Catalans and he’s somebody who has changed the way he’s played during his career.

When he shot onto the scene with Wigan it was his athleticism that stood out most.

Now it’s his ability to read a situation, his game-management, and understanding the nuances it takes to win matches. That game-intelligence comes from playing 300-plus games, and I believe that at the moment he and Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson are England’s best players.

But he’s got competition for the fullback spot with Zak Hardaker also starting the season strong.

It’s been great to see Zak (above) put his troubled past behind him, and for me his form has been down to getting his athletic ability back.

He’s an instinctive rugby league player – we saw that with his try for Wigan at Leeds on Thursday – and now he’s fit enough and strong enough to take advantage of those situations.

Then there’s Jake Connor at Hull FC – someone who is so versatile in the backline and is definitely an England squad player when on form.

At the top of his game he is a player that decides matches, and that’s a wonderful talent to have.

The challenge for him is not just putting one or two games together, but eight, nine or 10 – and I’m sure that’s what England coach Shaun Wane is looking for.

There are some other talented players in the mix as well including Niall Evalds and Stefan Ratchford.

But I see Tomkins, Hardaker and Connor as the front runners – and it’s a great headache for Wane to have.