Mercurial England fullback Sam Tomkins says his countrymen have the potential to make history as they host the World Cup on home soil.
The New Zealand Warriors star recruit has enjoyed a stellar 2013 season, winning both the Challenge Cup and Super League with club side Wigan.
His England side have spent their build up to the World Cup in a high-performance camp in South Africa as Coach Steve McNamara leaves no stone unturned in a bid to wrest the famous trophy from New Zealand.
"I think preparations in the last few years, building up to this World Cup, every thing has changed," said Tomkins.
"The training has been intense, I think everyone has gotten a lot from it so far.
"It's the most competitive I've ever seen it. Every position is up for grabs for a number of players. I think that means we're going to put out a quality side no matter who is playing and you can see that in training.
"Everyone has got to make sure they do everything they can and that starts this week in camp. Everyone so far has been spot on."
England have undoubtably targeted this World Cup as the end-goal of a years long development campaign, but the disappointment of the 2011 Four Nations tournament still rings strong for those questioning England's ability to fulfil potential.
"There's a big responsibility on everyone to perform in this team," said Tomkins. "I think we've got bags and bags of potential, but that doesn't win you anything does it.
"Intensity is picking up certainly at the back end of the week now that we know Steve (McNamara) is picking the team.
"If everyone can perform to potential, then we can do something special."
If passion and expectation at home count for anything, England would be likely to start favourites for the tournament.
Tomkins now has the chance to write himself into Rugby League folklore in the same way British heroes Martin Offiah and Ellery Hanley did in years gone by.
"It means everything as a kid growing up playing rugby," said Tomkins. "You watch what was then Great Britain and see some of the players playing and what an honour it is.
"I'm proud to be English and I'm proud to pull on the jersey.
"To be involved in this set up is brilliant."
The New Zealand Warriors star recruit has enjoyed a stellar 2013 season, winning both the Challenge Cup and Super League with club side Wigan.
His England side have spent their build up to the World Cup in a high-performance camp in South Africa as Coach Steve McNamara leaves no stone unturned in a bid to wrest the famous trophy from New Zealand.
"I think preparations in the last few years, building up to this World Cup, every thing has changed," said Tomkins.
"The training has been intense, I think everyone has gotten a lot from it so far.
"It's the most competitive I've ever seen it. Every position is up for grabs for a number of players. I think that means we're going to put out a quality side no matter who is playing and you can see that in training.
"Everyone has got to make sure they do everything they can and that starts this week in camp. Everyone so far has been spot on."
England have undoubtably targeted this World Cup as the end-goal of a years long development campaign, but the disappointment of the 2011 Four Nations tournament still rings strong for those questioning England's ability to fulfil potential.
"There's a big responsibility on everyone to perform in this team," said Tomkins. "I think we've got bags and bags of potential, but that doesn't win you anything does it.
"Intensity is picking up certainly at the back end of the week now that we know Steve (McNamara) is picking the team.
"If everyone can perform to potential, then we can do something special."
If passion and expectation at home count for anything, England would be likely to start favourites for the tournament.
Tomkins now has the chance to write himself into Rugby League folklore in the same way British heroes Martin Offiah and Ellery Hanley did in years gone by.
"It means everything as a kid growing up playing rugby," said Tomkins. "You watch what was then Great Britain and see some of the players playing and what an honour it is.
"I'm proud to be English and I'm proud to pull on the jersey.
"To be involved in this set up is brilliant."
