 In the 2008 World Cup , co @-@ hosted by Australia and New Zealand , England 's campaign ended with a 32 – 22 loss to New Zealand at the semi @-@ final stage . England responded to their exit from the tournament by replacing a number of veterans with younger players for the 2009 Four Nations . Tomkins , who was then playing at stand @-@ off for Wigan , was included in a new @-@ look squad which featured a quarter of its players aged 21 or below . 
