ENGLAND backs coach Andy Farrell insists Sam Burgess is holding his own as a centre during inter-squad training sessions in Denver.

League convert Burgess is only being considered in the midfield for the upcoming World Cup, despite producing his best rugby as a blindside flanker for Bath last season.

England's high-altitude training camp in Colorado has given the management the chance to assess him in direct competition with his rivals for the four centre berths in the final 31-man squad, which is announced on August 31.

Backs coach Farrell insists the 26-year-old, who swapped league for union last October, remains in contention for World Cup selection.

"We picked him in our training group as a 12 so we clearly believe he can play there," Farrell said.

"He's given a very good account of himself so far this week. He's looked very comfortable in the centres.

"We're more into the rugby element of training now and he's showed up well. The competition is fierce in that position, but Sam's in the mix and doing very well.

"If you look back at his league days, he's played in many different positions from front row to loose forward and those positions are a mile apart.

"What you find with a good footballer with a feel for the game is that they're able to adapt and play many different positions. Sam is one of those.

"Everyone is trying to give themselves a fighting chance of getting into the warm-up games and play the best they can, and Sam is no different to anyone else."

England return from their two-week camp in Denver this weekend with their first World Cup warm-up match against France at Twickenham looming on August 15.