Captaining England at World Cup would be career highlight says Sam Tomkins
Sam Tomkins says he has not yet been given the England captaincy for the upcoming World Cup but to do so would be the highlight of his career.
The Catalans Dragons full-back has led England in their international games against the Combined Nations All Stars over the last 12 months. However, he has not yet had word from head coach Shaun Wane if he has the honour for the home World Cup.
“I’ve been captain for the last how many months but I guess when he names the World Cup squad he will name the captain then,” Tomkins reveals on this week’s Love Rugby League podcast.
“It’s never really been discussed but it would be an unbelievable honour. I have been the captain for two Exiles games and it means a great deal.
“I am passionate about being English and representing my country. It feels different pulling on that jersey and singing the national anthem with your family in the crowd. It is like a Grand Final. So the opportunity to play six or eight games at the end of the year is like playing six or eight Grand Finals.
“To lead the team would be right up there with the highlights of my career.”
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Sam Tomkins aiming for glory
Tomkins believes England can defy the odds and topple Australia and New Zealand this autumn, and is desperate to do so.
“I want to be successful. I just want to win. I’m sick of England playing second or third fiddle. We need to go and win a World Cup. And if we are going to do it we are going to do it on home soil, and this year. This is our chance.
“There will be no more waiting for the next one, it’s too far away. I certainly won’t be playing in the next one, unless I squeeze in the French squad. I hate losing in any jersey and I have lost to New Zealand and Australia too many times in an England jersey.”
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