JONNY LOMAX EXCITED FOR GAME AT ANFIELD

Jonny Lomax is relishing the trip to Liverpool for the second test of a three-test series against New Zealand.

Lomax will be close to his hometown and is hopeful that his home crowd at St Helens will be there to support England at Anfield.

“It’s exciting times to get the opportunity to play at Anfield. It’s close to home being a St Helens lad so hopefully it’ll be a good occasion,” said Lomax.

Playing at Anfield is a dream for the full-back, who is set to make his eighth cap at the home of Liverpool FC.

“It’s an honour to grace that field playing for England, it’ll be a huge occasion and hopefully they’ll get behind us and as a team we can be loud and proud.”

After a tense two-point win in the first test, the Wall of White can secure the series win in Liverpool, but Lomax acknowledged the importance of keeping the same mentality to bring home the Baskerville Shield.

“It was tough, but the lads hung in there together and that was something I mentioned the other day after the game.

“Although we are 1-0 up, the Kiwis will be putting as much emphasis on this game as we are, and I have no doubt there’ll be a tough battle.”

Lomax has been a key fixture in the England side, and said that knowing the gravitas of playing for your national side is pivotal to his international performance.

“It’s just about being prepared to go that little bit further and do that little bit extra, which should be a given when you’re playing for your country.

“Any opportunity you get to pull on the England shirt is a great honour and you end up wanting to give that little bit more and make your family and friends proud and the country proud.”

England face New Zealand in the remaining two tests at Anfield in Liverpool (November 4) and Elland Road in Leeds (November 11). Tickets start from just £20 and are available from https://rugbyliveupdates.blogspot.com